Is this normal (insurance quote)

[Hamish]

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?

 

[Hamish]

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.

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]

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?