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Motorbike running costs
Hey guys,
Been thinking about getting a bike, but unsure what the running costs are. My parents don't want me to get one, and so are refusing to pay for it
Anyways, insurance and the cost of the bike are all well within budget. I was wondering roughly how much it would cost to pass the test (lessons & test fees), considering I've got my car license, done my CBT already and have ridden around London on a 125 a little bit.
What are the average running costs like, on something like a 500cc? I'm guessing it won't eat through tyres like a car does, and petrol will be relatively cheap.
Thanks a lot
CT: How our members got super cheap motorbike insurance quotes
Been thinking about getting a bike, but unsure what the running costs are. My parents don't want me to get one, and so are refusing to pay for it
Anyways, insurance and the cost of the bike are all well within budget. I was wondering roughly how much it would cost to pass the test (lessons & test fees), considering I've got my car license, done my CBT already and have ridden around London on a 125 a little bit.
What are the average running costs like, on something like a 500cc? I'm guessing it won't eat through tyres like a car does, and petrol will be relatively cheap.
Thanks a lot
CT: How our members got super cheap motorbike insurance quotes
(edited 6 years ago)
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
This place is meant to be the cheapest for bike insurance https://www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk/
I had GSXR600 for a year which is a sportsbike, paid 1300 for it, insured at 450 at 19. Had to buy new spark plugs/oil filter/oil durring the year, total 50quid. Had to buy both new tyres around 100 each. In this year did aroung 5k miles in total.
Btw bike tyres last a lot less then car tyres, sport/touring would last 6k miles+, super sport slicks can last as less as 1k miles (or 1 trackday)
Hope this helps
Btw bike tyres last a lot less then car tyres, sport/touring would last 6k miles+, super sport slicks can last as less as 1k miles (or 1 trackday)
Hope this helps
Reply 3
I did an intensive course, cbt, bike hire, and test included for a week for £500, but you'll need your theory test too. Most bike places will do a 2 or 3 day course if you've done riding before, so ask your local bike place for those costs.
My 650, does 180 miles until reserve, for £14 petrol. tyres, depending on your riding, i've had to replace after 12000 miles, but they were old, and had been on the bike for 8 years. (not me storing it) Tyres cost 86 and 125 i think. I get them from Merritts in leatherhead (i think) as they are cheapest.
If your 17 you'll have to restrict the bike too, which'll cost upto £200.
I have just put it through its 15000mile service which cost about £300, for small service (sparks, oil, fluids, and brake pads) i do myself
My 650, does 180 miles until reserve, for £14 petrol. tyres, depending on your riding, i've had to replace after 12000 miles, but they were old, and had been on the bike for 8 years. (not me storing it) Tyres cost 86 and 125 i think. I get them from Merritts in leatherhead (i think) as they are cheapest.
If your 17 you'll have to restrict the bike too, which'll cost upto £200.
I have just put it through its 15000mile service which cost about £300, for small service (sparks, oil, fluids, and brake pads) i do myself
Reply 5
With your parents, talk them through it, talk to them about the safety equipment if you think you don't need it i will have to send you a link as to why you do) and you will probably spent £400 on your gear.
If your parents realise your wearing protective gear which can save your life, they may ease up a bit. (helmet, gloves, jacket with body armour, back protector, proper trousers and boots)
If your on a 500cc, you can go faster, and are more likely to come off, purely as you'll probably ride faster and go further.
If your parents realise your wearing protective gear which can save your life, they may ease up a bit. (helmet, gloves, jacket with body armour, back protector, proper trousers and boots)
If your on a 500cc, you can go faster, and are more likely to come off, purely as you'll probably ride faster and go further.
My mum was much happier with the idea of me biking because she knew other people did it and were still alive (I think her 60 year old coworker was the most swaying? But we also know bathwiggle and her dad which also helped)
Do you know if any of your parents friends/colleagues have a bike?
Do you know if any of your parents friends/colleagues have a bike?
Reply 7
Running costs are feck all. I go for endless spins (hoofin it all the way) and still only use €5 petrol (mines a 400cc). Learn to do easy stuff yourself (oil, filters, coolant, plugs, fuses etc) and the only service you'll need regularly is tyres, maybe chain and sprockets once in a while. Older bikes are simpler machines (pre injection) and very easy to work on (good condition ones anyway).
Tyres last pissing time on bikes (all depends how you drive). Only 2 wheels but they wear twice as fast (much softer compound) so you end up spending about the same (bike tyreas are a little more expensive than car tyres too).
Brackets anyone?
Tyres last pissing time on bikes (all depends how you drive). Only 2 wheels but they wear twice as fast (much softer compound) so you end up spending about the same (bike tyreas are a little more expensive than car tyres too).
Brackets anyone?
thanks again for the replies
my dads a keen biker, but my mother refuses to budge so he's had to side with her. I've tried all i can but i really don't think I can persuade her.
Having said that, it's not a huge deal, just means I can't get a brand new bike and I'll have to be a bit careful with running costs etc
Talya
My mum was much happier with the idea of me biking because she knew other people did it and were still alive (I think her 60 year old coworker was the most swaying? But we also know bathwiggle and her dad which also helped)
Do you know if any of your parents friends/colleagues have a bike?
Do you know if any of your parents friends/colleagues have a bike?
my dads a keen biker, but my mother refuses to budge so he's had to side with her. I've tried all i can but i really don't think I can persuade her.
Having said that, it's not a huge deal, just means I can't get a brand new bike and I'll have to be a bit careful with running costs etc
Reply 9
Given as a student who gets on grant, i manage to keep 2 running, having brought the other one last year, it is a lot cheaper than cars. I normally say to people to get a used one until they are used to a big bike, as then your less upset when you drop it, or get hit, or throw it down the road yourself.
Reply 11
its perfectly safe as long as you dont forget how dangerous it is!
depending on how you ride, a pair of tires will last upwards of 8000 miles, sportier bikes tend to use softer compound rubber so the milage is significantly less, commuters etc use harder rubber so the milage is greater but you sacrifice grip for milage. as you're not valentino rossi hard compound tires are fine. i can drag the pegs on either side on horrible dunlop sportmax's, which are anything but sporty
good gear is expensive, but once you have it, you wont replace it for years unless you crash. i wear a dainese gore-tex jacket with leather trousers, good in all weathers. i've got a shoei crash helmet which was fairly expensive, comfortable as anything, can wear it on the track and will save my pretty face if i stack it into a tree.
the 33bhp restriction will be the bane of your life, its horrible knowing you have all that power and torque but 4 stupid inlet washers stop you unleashing it all. lots of talk on other forums about idiots taking the restrictors out and 'getting away with it' its like anything, dont get caught and you'll be fine, get caught and its riding without a license and insurance. just stick with them, its only 2 years. go on a track day and thrash about on a cbr1000rr while you wait
do an advanced riding course once you pass your dsa test, they'll teach you how to ride properly and safely which pretty much throws everything your das or A2 instructor will teach you.
do track days, they are amazing fun and you'll know what your bike handles like when you think you overstep the limits of grip, i got some funny looks overtaking one piece suit clad straight line warriors on 1000cc sports bikes on my 33bhp CBF600
find mates who ride, go out and do 200miles on amazing roads on a saturday afternoon overtaking all the cagers who generally have no idea how to drive
buy and old (ish) bike to start with, take it to bits, service it yourself - its eaaaaaaaasy, anyone who pays the stealership is a tool, motorbikes have 2 wheels and an engine, if you cant fix or service it, dont ride it
depending on how you ride, a pair of tires will last upwards of 8000 miles, sportier bikes tend to use softer compound rubber so the milage is significantly less, commuters etc use harder rubber so the milage is greater but you sacrifice grip for milage. as you're not valentino rossi hard compound tires are fine. i can drag the pegs on either side on horrible dunlop sportmax's, which are anything but sporty
good gear is expensive, but once you have it, you wont replace it for years unless you crash. i wear a dainese gore-tex jacket with leather trousers, good in all weathers. i've got a shoei crash helmet which was fairly expensive, comfortable as anything, can wear it on the track and will save my pretty face if i stack it into a tree.
the 33bhp restriction will be the bane of your life, its horrible knowing you have all that power and torque but 4 stupid inlet washers stop you unleashing it all. lots of talk on other forums about idiots taking the restrictors out and 'getting away with it' its like anything, dont get caught and you'll be fine, get caught and its riding without a license and insurance. just stick with them, its only 2 years. go on a track day and thrash about on a cbr1000rr while you wait
do an advanced riding course once you pass your dsa test, they'll teach you how to ride properly and safely which pretty much throws everything your das or A2 instructor will teach you.
do track days, they are amazing fun and you'll know what your bike handles like when you think you overstep the limits of grip, i got some funny looks overtaking one piece suit clad straight line warriors on 1000cc sports bikes on my 33bhp CBF600
find mates who ride, go out and do 200miles on amazing roads on a saturday afternoon overtaking all the cagers who generally have no idea how to drive
buy and old (ish) bike to start with, take it to bits, service it yourself - its eaaaaaaaasy, anyone who pays the stealership is a tool, motorbikes have 2 wheels and an engine, if you cant fix or service it, dont ride it
Reply 12
crazyjoyce
buy and old (ish) bike to start with, take it to bits, service it yourself - its eaaaaaaaasy, anyone who pays the stealership is a tool, motorbikes have 2 wheels and an engine, if you cant fix or service it, dont ride it
To be fair unless you are mechanically minded, or have someone to show you what to do, it can be hard to start doing your bike. But there are many places you can ask for help, and the haynes manual. Imean, its taken talya a while, but shes getting there, if i lived closer it might be easier to help with problems.
Reply 13
Bathwiggle
I did an intensive course, cbt, bike hire, and test included for a week for £500, but you'll need your theory test too. Most bike places will do a 2 or 3 day course if you've done riding before, so ask your local bike place for those costs.
My 650, does 180 miles until reserve, for £14 petrol. tyres, depending on your riding, i've had to replace after 12000 miles, but they were old, and had been on the bike for 8 years. (not me storing it) Tyres cost 86 and 125 i think. I get them from Merritts in leatherhead (i think) as they are cheapest.
If your 17 you'll have to restrict the bike too, which'll cost upto £200.
I have just put it through its 15000mile service which cost about £300, for small service (sparks, oil, fluids, and brake pads) i do myself
My 650, does 180 miles until reserve, for £14 petrol. tyres, depending on your riding, i've had to replace after 12000 miles, but they were old, and had been on the bike for 8 years. (not me storing it) Tyres cost 86 and 125 i think. I get them from Merritts in leatherhead (i think) as they are cheapest.
If your 17 you'll have to restrict the bike too, which'll cost upto £200.
I have just put it through its 15000mile service which cost about £300, for small service (sparks, oil, fluids, and brake pads) i do myself
You ride a 650 0.0
I'm limited to this:
and I can drive only off road cause I'm under age. What's the age needed in Britain?
Reply 15
theBOON
You ride a 650 0.0
I'm limited to this:
and I can drive only off road cause I'm under age. What's the age needed in Britain?
I'm limited to this:
and I can drive only off road cause I'm under age. What's the age needed in Britain?
It'll be the black one in my profile pic, my first bike was a 400. (ignore the lad on the bike, its my bike, he was moving it so i could take the picture)
And whats wrong with a girl on a 650, i really fancy the BMW S1000RR, but i am will to get a daytona 675 as a temporary bike, once my sv dies.
At 17 you can ride a bike restricted to 33bhp, so a lot of people restrict bandits, sv650's or GS500 (suzuki ones) or ride a 125 until they're restriction ends. This is after you've done your bike test.
With a CBT at 16 you can have a 50cc, at 17 a 125cc, restricted to 14.6 bhp. Or at 17 do your restricted test and be restricted to 33bhp.
Reply 16
Bathwiggle
To be fair unless you are mechanically minded, or have someone to show you what to do, it can be hard to start doing your bike. But there are many places you can ask for help, and the haynes manual. Imean, its taken talya a while, but shes getting there, if i lived closer it might be easier to help with problems.
yeah i guess, but as you say, a google or a look in the technical forum of the bike you ride is enough to fix/service/adjust most things. the workshop handbooks are also available if you look in the right places
got one for mine and my dads bikes for free.and the S1000RR!!! with the odd headlights!!! not to mention it being a BMW, so many other litre bikes which are far better looking.
i've got my eye on either spanking new cb1000r or a blade, am i mad to consider restricting one? it would only be for a few months
Reply 17
crazyjoyce
and the S1000RR!!! with the odd headlights!!! not to mention it being a BMW, so many other litre bikes which are far better looking.
i've got my eye on either spanking new cb1000r or a blade, am i mad to consider restricting one? it would only be for a few months
i've got my eye on either spanking new cb1000r or a blade, am i mad to consider restricting one? it would only be for a few months
It looks pretty.
given that i probably couldnt get my feet anywhere near the ground on it, its a dream, but it looks so nice.Mad for considering restricting it, its a crime against the bike, and would be rubbish to ride, if it would ride, i assume the bhp in the region of 170ish? Stick to something about 70bhp to restrict.... you'd probably not get the insurance either. Could always buy it and keep it til you can ride it
I have just had a quick look and you can apparently get a restrictor kit for some bigger hondas http://bikearound.co.uk/index.php?pr=33bhp_Bikes
Reply 18
Bathwiggle
It looks pretty. given that i probably couldnt get my feet anywhere near the ground on it, its a dream, but it looks so nice.
Mad for considering restricting it, its a crime against the bike, and would be rubbish to ride, if it would ride, i assume the bhp in the region of 170ish? Stick to something about 70bhp to restrict.... you'd probably not get the insurance either. Could always buy it and keep it til you can ride it
I have just had a quick look and you can apparently get a restrictor kit for some bigger hondas http://bikearound.co.uk/index.php?pr=33bhp_Bikes
given that i probably couldnt get my feet anywhere near the ground on it, its a dream, but it looks so nice.Mad for considering restricting it, its a crime against the bike, and would be rubbish to ride, if it would ride, i assume the bhp in the region of 170ish? Stick to something about 70bhp to restrict.... you'd probably not get the insurance either. Could always buy it and keep it til you can ride it
I have just had a quick look and you can apparently get a restrictor kit for some bigger hondas http://bikearound.co.uk/index.php?pr=33bhp_Bikes
ah i have quite the opposite problem, being 6' 5'' getting comfy is difficult.
yeah it would be a crime, although i know someone who ran a zx12 restricted for a year! the cb1000r makes about 140 and the blade is around 160 or something silly. my advanced ness helps a little with the insurance, well it will when i do the official test but im fortunate enough to be in the position where the insurance cost isnt prohibitive.
my heart says the cb1000r but my head says the cbf1000 until i can run more than one big bike
Reply 19
crazyjoyce
ah i have quite the opposite problem, being 6' 5'' getting comfy is difficult.
yeah it would be a crime, although i know someone who ran a zx12 restricted for a year! the cb1000r makes about 140 and the blade is around 160 or something silly. my advanced ness helps a little with the insurance, well it will when i do the official test but im fortunate enough to be in the position where the insurance cost isnt prohibitive.
my heart says the cb1000r but my head says the cbf1000 until i can run more than one big bike
yeah it would be a crime, although i know someone who ran a zx12 restricted for a year! the cb1000r makes about 140 and the blade is around 160 or something silly. my advanced ness helps a little with the insurance, well it will when i do the official test but im fortunate enough to be in the position where the insurance cost isnt prohibitive.
my heart says the cb1000r but my head says the cbf1000 until i can run more than one big bike
I'm 5'2" so generally limited by height unless riding where i dont need to stop often. It just seems silly to not get the best out of a bike, when something smaller can help you improve, then you can get what you really want with the experience so that you hopefuly wont ruin it by crashing.
But thats my view, given i never rode a 125cc. my oh started on the 250, used my 400 and got the fz6 the second he could as he was bored, but he still goes a bit mad with the speed and acceleration.
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