Is this normal (insurance quote)

Hamish

Hamish

Hamish

Soldato
Joined
14 Apr 2003
Posts
4,950
Location
Deepest Yorkshire
Thinking about getting a motorbike next year and applying for a few quotes to get ideas, was expecting something <700 quid but the cheapest quote I got was 4000! is this normal for these circumstances?

  • Bike: Buell XB12S 2004, value 4000 quid
  • me, 26, M, UK resident
  • only just passed motorbike test
  • car licence for 10 years
  • living in west london
  • bike on street
  • no alarm, but disc lock
  • no NCB (due to living abroad)
  • currently own a motocross bike abroad although no insurance so doesn't count for much

How can I reduce these quotes? Which of the following would help the most
  • ride something smaller for a year - 250cc?
  • rent a garage and keep it in there
  • put an alarm/immobilser on it
  • do some advanced riding courses
  • something else?
 
I'd definitely be looking for something smaller than a 1200cc bike especially as a first bike! Build up at least some no claims on a lesser bike.
Pretty much what you've said, see if you can hire a garage to park it up. If not, try something like a ground anchor with chain that has some sort of Thatcham approval. Alarms and immobilisers can help, however, I removed mine of my GSX-R and it didn't affect my insurance premiums at all.
 
Garage and a 600cc should sort that out, or even driveway.

I have the bike in my sig, 24 3 years no claims and my insurance is £228 a year now TPFT

You are going for quite a bike there.

On a side note, 26 with a 650i? fancy swapping lives? :D
 
Ghosteh said:
I'd definitely be looking for something smaller than a 1200cc bike especially as a first bike! Build up at least some no claims on a lesser bike.
Pretty much what you've said, see if you can hire a garage to park it up. If not, try something like a ground anchor with chain that has some sort of Thatcham approval. Alarms and immobilisers can help, however, I removed mine of my GSX-R and it didn't affect my insurance premiums at all.
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Yeah, I wouldn't trust myself on a litre sports bike but from what I've read the Buell's Harley engine is very lazy and not such a beast. And although it's my first road bike I've had plenty of motorbike and road driving experience, just not together so it's not like I'm a complete novice.
I don't have a driveway and garages around here rent for 250 quid a month(!) but may have to cut a hole in my fence and park it in my front garden if it makes a big difference.
 
Hamish said:
Yeah, I wouldn't trust myself on a litre sports bike but from what I've read the Buell's Harley engine is very lazy and not such a beast. And although it's my first road bike I've had plenty of motorbike and road driving experience, just not together so it's not like I'm a complete novice.
I don't have a driveway and garages around here rent for 250 quid a month(!) but may have to cut a hole in my fence and park it in my front garden if it makes a big difference.
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I'm sure it is quite a lazy engine, being a V-Twin? the problem is insurance companies will still see you as an inexperienced rider as you've only just got your licence. And while it may not pack the punch of a 1000cc Sports Bike, it's still a hefty engine for a 'new' rider.
 
look at older bikes,1998-2005,that will reduce prices if its an older machine,600cc is plenty power imo
 
London + street parking will be a killer, plus Buell went out of business quite a while back so they may be difficult to repair from an insurers perspective.

Try getting a quote for e.g. an SV650 being kept in a garage and I'll bet it will be a LOT less.
 
Echoing what others have said, you're going to get done unless you go on something a little less powerful and have better security. A disk lock on street parking is nothing to an educated bike thief in London, I'm sure.

Try www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk - I've had some good quotes from them in the past.
 
What's the deal with Land Anchors and street parking? Do people ever drill a hole in the kerb outside their house and put a land anchor in it or is that not the done thing?
 
Hamish said:
What's the deal with Land Anchors and street parking? Do people ever drill a hole in the kerb outside their house and put a land anchor in it or is that not the done thing?
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That most definatley is not the done thing, the council will be all over you like a rash, and, if any passing drunken numpty trips over it on a night out, i suspect you'll get sued in a heart beat.

Echoing what others have said, given your lack of experience & location, the Buell's too big & potentially too hard to repair, go for something smaller & more common till you've got some ncb built up.
 
What level of cover is that for? I'll get it's covering the bike for theft...

It's not the same, but is is analogous:

The cheapest insurance for my Sym Xs125-K was £185 3rd party. Add fire and theft, and the minimum came in at £450.

Reduce the cover of the policy rather, and go for better security on the bike - at least you'll have something to show for it at the end of the year. Insurance doesn't prevent your bike being nicked - it mops up afterwards! Reduce that risk and your policy SHOULD follow.
 
no1 is gonna insure you for theft if ur keeping a bike on the street overnight in london ;D


tried 3rd party only quotes..?

if you want any kind of theft cover, you're gonna need to find a safer place to keep it overnight ;)
 
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