Getting a license

The first thing to consider when getting a motorbike is to make sure you’ve got the right license. Unlike driving a car, there are various classifications, and each type comes with restrictions and requirements. For a start, you must have a provisional licence in place – as you cannot begin learning to ride a motorbike without one. Then there’s Compulsory Basic Training: without completing it you can’t legally ride a bike on the road. From there it goes on to a direct access route, progressive route, engine size, age, and plenty more – see the RAC handy guide here.

Buying insurance

Just as you can’t ride a motorbike legally without the right license, you’ll need the right insurance, too, with it being a legal requirement to obtain a minimum of third-party-only insurance. This provides cover for any damage you could cause to a third party’s person or property, but has no cover for your own. Then there’s third party, fire and theft: including everything under third party but also allowing you to claim off your own policy if your bike’s stolen or damaged as a result of fire. We say go fully comprehensive, meaning you can claim for accidental and malicious damage, including vandalism, a single-vehicle incident, or flood damage. Want more info? Click here.

Motorcycle gear

Now you’ve sorted your license and motorbike, it’s time to choose your riding gear. First up is a helmet, legally required on the road. A full-face helmet is considered safest, and you can also choose half and three-quarter face-covering options. And while helmets are the only equipment riders are legally required to wear, consider other protective gear such as boots, gloves, and leathers. We’re not talking a full MotoGP-style bodysuit, but leathers, suitable footwear and durable gloves are must-buys for protection when you’re out on the road.

The best bike for you

Bikes are typically divided into standard, cruiser, sport, touring, dual-purpose and off-road categories. Motoress advises you consider the roads and time you’ll be spending on the bike, as well as speed, handling, budget, storage, and fuel economy. The most common is standard, great for getting about opposed to style. Cruisers are American-style choppers – think Harley-Davidson rider along Route 66 – while sport focus on speed and handling. Tourers are larger and designed for comfort; off roaders mainly used for motorsports; while dual-purpose bikes are a hybrid of off-road and sports bikes.

Safety on the road

First up, never exceed the speed limit, especially when you realise there were 343 motorcycle fatalities in 2024. Keeping safe on the road is critical, with many campaigns warning motorcyclists of the dangers that occur from not staying safe. What are the dos and don’ts? Asides sticking to the speed limit, these top 10 motorcycle safety tips include car drivers looking twice before changing lanes. For motorcyclists, watch the weather, avoiding driving in the rain whenever’s possible; and ride within your skills. Sure, you might want to keep up with who you’re heading out with – but is it really worth it when they been driving a motorbike for much longer than you?

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1. Triumph

The beautiful 1200cc Speed Twin reintroduces a legendary Triumph name and defines how a custom roadster should ride and feel. With class-leading handling and thrilling performance, the 2019 Speed Twin carries all of the contemporary custom styles of the Street Twin but adds even more premium detail. It delivers all the power, torque and technology of the Thruxton R, mixed with the confidence-inspiring ride and supreme comfort of the Bonneville T120.

Now Truimph is also introducing the new Scrambler 1200 lineup – all-new benchmark-setting motorcycles with dual-purpose capability and modern custom style. The stunning Scrambler 1200 XC and XE deliver category-redefining levels of performance, specification and finish, fused with Triumph’s iconic Scrambler DNA.

Designed with all the capability of a genuine adventure motorcycle and packed with state-of-the-art technology, these new modern classics take off-road capability and scrambling credentials to the very top of the motorcycling world.

Find out more at triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

2. Ducati

Ducati introduced several exciting new models for bikes in 2020. The most captivating must be the new Streetfighter V4 which weighs in at just 178kg and is powered by an 1100cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine that unleashes 208 horsepower.

Power is kept in check by biplane wings that generate 28kg of downforce at 270kph, developed by Ducati Corse aerodynamicists, the wings reduce front wheel lift and boosting stability during braking.

The new Panigale V4 was updated for 2020 boosting performance even further taking track riding to the next level for amateurs and pros alike.

For those that prefer their riding at a more relaxed pace or for cruising through the city, then the Scrambler Icon will be the perfect companion. The Ducati Scrambler’s wide handlebars, flat seat and suspension set-up merge to provide a more comfortable and relaxed riding position.

Find out more at ducati.com

3. IAM Roadsmart

Lockdown meant that many of us were working from home, teaching our children and missing social time with our loved ones. A feeling of freedom has never been more important to balance our overall wellbeing. Driving and riding has always provided an excellent outlet to explore, escape and enjoy.

IAM RoadSmart helps drivers and riders boost their on-road skills to make journeys satisfying, safe and, on occasions, spiritual.

Advanced driver and rider coaching can help you rediscover your freedom and reconnect you to the joys of travelling on the open road.

Find out more at iamroadsmart.co.uk

4. Ring Connect

Tyres are the most important safety feature of any vehicle, they keep you connected to the road and need to work at optimum performance whatever the conditions. Having well-maintained tyres also reduces fuel consumption and improves the tyre’s lifespan, saving you money.

The NEW Ring Smart Tyre Inflator is the easy way to ensure your tyres are well maintained and safe. It works in conjunction with the Ring Connect App. Ring Connect is the expert you need in your pocket, ensuring your tyres are inflated properly and well maintained. All motorcycle tyres are different and require different maintenance, from optimum inflation levels to mileage before they need changing. Ring Connect ensures you’ve got everything right and regularly reminds you to undertake the checks you need.

Find out more at ringconnect.com

5. Urban E-bikes

Since the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), residents and regular visitors to London have been searching for zero-emission mopeds and scooters alternatives for their daily commute.

Two preeminent brands in this space are NIU and Super Soco, the latter of which released the ground-breaking TC Max only to sell out in a matter of weeks.

The Super Soco TC Max offers you a high speed for a low price; at only £3,995 including a government grant. This elegant vehicle can reach up to 58mph with a range of 60 miles – enabling you to beat the traffic both in and out of London.

NIU pride themselves on revolutionising electric transport, and this is especially notable in the N-GT model. The NIU N-GT comes with two batteries as standard, boasting a range of up to 100 miles. It is sleek, powerful and revolutionary in its field.

Find out more at urbanebikes.com

6. Piaggio

If you’re reading this on a train or tube, there’s a good chance that you’re in a packed carriage, surrounded by faces made miserable by costly fares and the low chance of getting a seat. But it doesn’t have to be like this because you could be commuting on a Piaggio MP3 300 HPE Sport – the three-wheel scooter that you can ride with your car licence.

With two wheels at the front and one at the rear, the MP3 300 HPE Sport offers excellent grip, stability and balance. Thanks to ABS and traction control it’s also safe no matter what the conditions and with no gears to worry about, enjoying the smooth ride is as easy as turning the key and twisting the throttle.

Find out more at piaggio.com

7. Viofo

If you’re struggling with ideas for Christmas presents for your loved ones then a dash cam is a great option. Fitting a dash cam on your motorbike provides all-round protection on the move, so you can be sure you’re looking after your friends and family when they need it most.

Viofo provide high-quality dash cams at a great value. The brand is dedicated to innovation and cutting-edge technology, using only the finest components available, including image sensors from the world leaders in camera technology, Sony.

There are also options for motorcycles, trikes and scooters with discreet bullet cameras available. When you’re looking for a dash cam that is reliable, built to last and offers ultimate discretion and convenience then Viofo have a solution for you.

Find out more at viofo.com

8. Alcosense

It’s easier than you may think to have a few drinks in the evening, only to get on your bike the next morning and unintentionally ride with alcohol still in your system from the night before.

Remember, there is no rule of thumb as we all process alcohol differently. If you drank four pints of beer or four large glasses of wine between 9pm and midnight you could still have alcohol in your system at 11am the next day.

The AlcoSense Excel personal breathalyser quickly and accurately shows your alcohol level, using exactly the same alcohol sensor as several LJK police approved devices, alerting you if you are close to or over the limit. With one in five drink drive convictions happening the morning after the night before’, why risk it?

Find out more at alcosense.co.uk

9. EV Charger

In case you’ve got yourself an electric motorbike, the last thing on your mind is how to install the charger to your home. EV Charger removes the guesswork and gets you on the road as soon as possible.

HRH Prince Charles used to talk of architectural blights, a factor that led installers Paul Delahay and Ben Coombes to design, develop and manufacture their own ultra-compact and discreetly installed EV chargers. Judging by innumerable electrical contractors’ social media comments, the SYNC EV charger is an efficiency booster and money saver combined.

It installs easily, without a need for time-wasting groundwork. It is intelligent enough to use SMART technology to ensure a blend of updates and lower electricity tariffs that save cash and highlight its overall efficiency.

The SYNC EV is accessible using a dedicated and secure app on the user’s smartphone. Monitoring energy consumption and even the rates payable is as simple as a finger-flick. Yet, more importantly, thanks to its intelligent design, a SYNC EV charger can be front-end replaced within minutes, without dismantling.

Find out more at syncev.co.uk

10. etyres

Replacing your tyres can take a lot of time out of your day. There’s booking an appointment with a garage over the phone at a time when they are free. Then taking the time away from work or worse still, your precious spare time, to drive to the garage to get the tyre replaced. That’s not including deciding what type of tyres you want.

etyres knows how busy you are, which is why they offer mobile tyre fitting where the tyre fitter comes to you. You choose the tyres you want at a time and a place that suits you.

Tyre fitting is chosen by you, not the garage. Select mobile fitting to have a tyre fitter come to you, whether you’re at work or at home. Then your fitter will arrive and replace your tyres without you losing any time.

Find out more at etyres.co.uk

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Checklist catches up with the eight-times British national dancing champion about his newfound passion, tattoos, and all things ginger.

So, you learnt to ride during lockdown 2020 – were you into bikes as a child?

I fell in love with motorcycling at a young age, biking was always something I wanted to do. My mum would always try to put me off – it doesn’t matter how old you are, your mum always gets worried about you! I kept telling her I wasn’t into fast superbikes, – for me, it’s about cruising and a chilled ride rather than speeding around.

I grew up in Bordon, Hampshire and there were army tracks where we played on our scramblers. I never knew when, but I always knew one day ride a ‘proper’ bike. When I was younger my brother had a bicycle and he wouldn’t slow down – and because I wasn’t in control, I put my foot in the wheel and damaged my heel. Even today I will never get on the back of someone else’s bike – I only feel safe when I’m fully in control.

Which bike did you do your CBT test on?

I wasn’t paying attention when I booked my CBT and I ended up doing an automatic test instead of a manual. On the same day, my brother was doing a manual test elsewhere. The bike I had already purchased was from Crazy Horse – a beautiful Fantic Caballero, it’s a scrambler 125cc and you guessed it…a manual.

So, I did my test on the automatic and then I had to book in for a private lesson for a couple of hours to understand how to work the manual bike. The first bike I had was a Fantic 125cc, the amazing thing about the bike that it looks the same size as all the other powerful versions (the 250cc and 500cc) in the same range – it’s incredible really.

Were you a natural?

I passed my theory test the first time, and then, because of filming and restrictions, I had just two weeks to do the CBT. I booked my mod one on a Monday and the mod two on the next Wednesday. There are no rules on how many lessons you need to take.

It was a risk to book the two tests so close to each other as to take Mod 2 you have to you have to pass Mod 1 – but I did thank goodness! I had limited time on my side as I had to isolate before the Strictly show so I needed to pass the modules in that short space of time.

Did you learn any other hobbies during lockdown?

I always loved cooking, but I am really into graphic design and drawing and over the last lockdown – I learnt to tattoo! At first, I got myself a stick-and-poke kit and began practising on silicone.

I realised it was going to be a lot easier tattooing myself, so I went for it and now I’ve got three tattoos on one leg. For my birthday my family got me a proper tattoo machine; a few tattoo artist friends gave me some pointers, so I’ve now started on the other leg!

Which bike do you have now?

It’s funny, I was walking about in London after things started to open up again and I saw this bike on the side of the street.  I took a picture of it thinking to myself – what is this beautiful machine? I found out it was an Indian Bobber 60, which is the company I’m now an ambassador for. So, I made contact, we started talking and that’s how it all came about and how I have one at home.

It’s a big step up at 1000cc, but I’m selling the other one at the moment as I don’t want to go back to it. I love the Indian bobber so much and Crazy Horse kindly hooked me up again. I went to check out their new Chief model recently, it’s even more powerful – so that’s next on my list!

Which gives you the biggest buzz – dancing or riding?

Dancing I’ve done all my life, I enjoy it and it’s something that just comes naturally to me and I love learning new moves. But riding, especially when the streets are quiet you can just flow around. As I said, I’m not about speeding, it’s just so nice to just go for a calm ride – even if it’s not anywhere in particular – just literally a ride.

If you could go for a bike ride with anyone – who would it be?

I’m a big Liverpool fan, so if he could ride, I would love to drive with Liverpool’s James Milner, or even Klopp – just to know how his brain works! Even though I’m a dancer – I love sport, especially football.

What else is coming up for you?

We’ve got the new series of Strictly until December. Once a week I Wakesurf at Thorpe park on the lake. I don’t care if it’s a lake, a river, or the sea, or if it’s freezing; that’s where I need to live!

Then there is the Gingerland tour which I created celebrating everything about gingers! I always joke with friends about how suddenly ginger hair has become trendy – and it certainly wasn’t that way when I was at school! It’s been postponed so many times but is definitely happening in 2022 – and we’ll be travelling all around the UK.

The whole show is about, yes, you guessed it – being ginger. Featuring historical gingers, myths about gingers, things people might not know about gingers as a whole. It has singing and dancing and will hopefully educate people on the history of ginger hair. I might even sing one or two songs – we will hopefully have a few original soundtracks created especially for Gingerland.

Lastly, I have a podcast: Tall, Blonde, and Ginger, which is up to its third recording season. I do the podcast with my two friends and we have some really interesting guests coming up. We’re all retired competitors with completely different personalities, so it works well. We tackle everyday topics – it’s light-hearted and funny and about the way we all look at the world right now.

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