So petrol prices are high, are houses are worth nothing, everyone is living in negative equity, you can buy a bank for a quid and we are all gripped by the fear that the whole economic World is collapsing around us. But its not all doom and gloom.
Oh no. It seems that the current environment in which we find ourselves living in has forced the volumes of motorbikes being sold to go through the roof. According to figures from The Bike Insurer, the World's first bike insurance comparison website, the sales of bikes have gone up circa 20% in 2008.
According to the stats we've seen, whilst new bike sales are reducing, used bike sales are flying, which has some sort of logic to it given that people are more reluctant to buy a new bike on finance and that new bikes are dropping in value more than ever within the first 6 months of ownership.
Whilst we're on the whole subject of the credit crunch, why is it called a credit crunch when its a recession?
You can put lipstick on a pig but its still a pig. All we are doing here is taking the word 'recession', placing it in a short skirt, giving it some dark glasses and now its a 'credit crunch'. Why is the Government trying to act all smart and call it a different name. Its like the Chinese Rover. At the end of the day its a 10 year old design of a car that was rubbish when it was made. Now its just even more rubbish!
Colin has done loads of stuff over the years but is best known for his home-made motorbike wall of death, which just has to be seen to be believed. But as well as that Colin is also known for:
Serving food whilst driving
Homemade weapons
The World's biggest bonfire
Driving into car wash's with no windows
We salute you Mr Furze but want to know what you were doing riding on a public road with no helmet and therefore no bike insurance you naughty boy!
As well as having a brilliant car insurance comparison service, those busy beavers at Tesco Compare have been working in the background to create a great new van insurance comparison site too.
The reason we really wanted to tell you about this product is that according to our research, 36% of bike riders also use a van. We know how expensive van insurance can be, and after we checked out the Tesco Compare van insurance site, we think you will really want to use it.
Basically there are about 18 brokers that they compare quotes from and for me the cheapest brokers were eVan, Gladiator, Autonet, Direct Choice and More Than. It gave me the best prices for Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft and Third Party Only cover.
As well as dirt cheap van insurance, Tesco Compare Van Insurance also gave me a free legal cover policy and sent me my best quotes by text message as reminder.
I recommend this service from Tesco Compare 100% and from my experience this is a really easy site to use compared to Go Conpare that I also tried, albeit unsuccesfully to use.
Its almost time again for the NEC bike show which this year is on from 28th Nov to 5th Dec.
The annual festivities for this year have gotten even bigger and better, with loads more to do. You can visit the Thunderdome Games Arena, check out the Off Road Zone or have a go on the Superbike Simulator. Whenever you decide to go, make sure you buy your ticket in advance (£15 v £17).
The best thing I always think about the bike show, aswell as the women, is the bargains that can be had. Last year I picked up a set of BKS leathers that had an RRP of £1299. Because they happened to have my size in the colours that I wanted, I got these for a bargain £500. I also got some new Alpinestars gloves which were reduced from £129 to £70.
I dont understand why anyone would buy full price from a bike dealer when you might as well wait until the NEC show and save 50%.
The show is also a great chance to take a look at next year's winter bargains too. Er, I mean new models for 2009. The new Yamaha R1 promises to be an amazing piece of kit. Dont know about you, but I think the R1 in white looks the absolute boll**ks!! I will be glad when its 2k cheaper come next September than at the start of the season.
So go enjoy yourself, look at women in lycra suits, dream about new bikes and get some bargains. We love the NEC!!
Riding a motorbike to work 50% cheaper than driving a car
At The Bike Insurer, we've been looking at the numbers of people that are now ditching their cars in favour of a motorbike for the daily commute to work.
We checked our stats for September 2007 against September 2008 and found that whilst 14% of riders selected that they wished to get their bike insurance with commuting cover included in 2007, so this figure jumped to 27% in 2008. Thats nearly a 100% increase.
We worked out that for the average commuter on the average bike the savings could be impressive. If you assume a typical car, lets say a Ford Mondeo, does 35 miles per gallon then assuming the typical commute is a 50 mile round trip per day the cost over 48 working weeks of the year comes to £1622. This is based on a typical gallon of petrol being £1.05 per litre.
However, compare this to the typical commuter bike, lets say a Suzuki GSF 600 Bandit, which achieves circa 70 mpg then the annual spend is just £811, exactly half the price of driving the Mondeo.This means an annual saving of £811 over 12 months.
We tried this one day this week by using a Ford Mondeo 2.0 which had an onboard computer. Because of the time of day, volume of traffic on the roads and the fact that we got stopped at every set of lights in the World, we only managed to get 32.2 mpg from the car on the way to the office. Our journey lasted 25 miles and started at 8am. At 5.30pm we drove back to where we started from. Overall we managed a combined MPG return of 33.1. Our total time was 1 hour 58 minutes. The next day I took the Bandit to work and overall got 67 mpg, with an overall journey time of one hour 12 minutes.
So based on riding the bike every day, as well as the extra £811 in my back pocket (will put that towards bailing out the government no doubt in tax rises) I could also save 192 hours over the year.
So then, given that our Winters are now much milder, we dont have snow anymore and we can all save a pile of cash, everyone should get a bike and get saving time and cash now. Thanks global warming, you've really helped me out!
California Superbike School - Bike Insurer staff get help cornering
I was 19 when I passed my road bike test, my mum was kinda dead against the idea; so I snuck a few days off work and did a 5 day course, without my family knowing.
I'd done some motocross and downhill mountain bike racing before and thought I knew how to hold my own on two wheels. Once I passed my test I rushed straight out and got my first bike, a ZXR400.
First time I was out with some friends riding on our favorite roads I got a little carried away and went into a corner a bit quick...... I didn't know what to do, sh** myself, then decided to grab loads of front brake, the bike dipped more and I ended up on the wrong side of the road looking an Astra van driver dead in the face.
Luckily I ended up on the pavement and the van missed me.
We've all had a moment like that, when you get a sick feeling and realise that the bike is the boss and you are just there for the ride. Rushing to pass my test and not learn how to really ride the bike has held me back on the road ever since.
So I've been getting a fair amount of stick from the gaffer about my road riding so much so that he got me two days with the guys from the California Superbike School. I was to do Level 1 and Level 2 of the school, Level 1 for me was at Rockingham and Level 2 at Silverstone.
The California Superbike School is an organisation that was founded by the Keith Code and is focused on one thing: about improving and refining your cornering.
Rockingham Level 1
The days starts bloody early at 7am, and just my luck; it was pissing down when I got there. Getting my GSXR1000 K8 out the van, with only 500 miles on the clock I was pretty worried about putting it down the track in the wet. I hate the wet at the best of times.
When you get there, you get signed in, your bike and kit are inspected then you are split into the ability levels (Level 1,2,3,4) and get briefed by all the Superbike School Staff.
I didn't have full leathers, so was able to hire them from the school.
The day was really well organised and structured.
The briefing
Once the formalities and the initial safety breifings were done, you then get about 20 mins in the classroom where you are shown the new technique / riding concept you are going to practise on the track.
YES - you can read that correctly, NO Brakes, 3rd Gear !
So after the classroom sessions you get out on the track. It was pissing down for both the days I did (Rockingham and Silverstone) but you know, I think thats what made the day so boss.
Having a wet track meant everything was slowed down and being smooth on the bike made more important.
Before you go out onto the track you are introduced to your instructor, your instructor is looking after you and 2 others.
When you are out on the track the instructor will follow behind you and then pull you into the pits for some 1one1 tuition. You then get time to practise alone, giving you time to figure things out for yourself without someone breathing down your neck.
Wets - the order of the day.
Our first track session was to be done without using your brakes and in 3rd gear only. This was really hard to do, on a wet, strange track we had to ride around just on the throttle. Learning smooth throttle control.
The rest of the Level I day covered the following stuff:
1. Corner entry speeds. In too fast? In too slow?
2. Throttle control errors. Too much too soon, not enough, the timing is crucial
3. The turn is started at the wrong place. Turning too early? Too late? How do you know?
4. Steering errors and corrections. Leaning into the turn too quickly or too slowly. Correcting lean angle mid corner?
5. Inappropriate rider input. Too much or too little for the situation you face.
6. Inconsistent apexes. Too wide, too tight or varying?
I had never been shown any of this stuff, sure I was shown how to ride on the road, when I was learning for my road test; but this stuff really helped me get my head around what the bike is doing and how best to be in control at low and high speed. Mega.. I especially find the "quick turn' has helped me turn in later and swerve faster (should a school run mum decide to try to kill me)
Silverstone Level 2
Another pissing down day, but again I felt I got a shed load more from it being wet than if its was dry.
Level II covered:
1. What is a reference point and how many do you need for each and every turn you ride?
2. What is the key to improving a riders understanding of their riding space and can you create and use more?
3. What do you do when you restrict your vision and how do you cure this?
4. What is the best way to use your eyes to the maximum and gain the most information with the least effort?
5. What signals the end of a corner? Can you change it or are you a lazy end-of-turn rider?
Getting ready to go out at Silverstone
Trying to get the power down
All in all it was a top day, my riding has come on massively and I'm going to be doing the next two levels next spring.
Its a pricey day, but if you are serious about wanting to improve your riding then you can't go wrong with the California Superbike School, after all Leon Camier was one of their students a few years back.
Watch the video
During the day the guys from picman are around the course, taking pics that you can buy at the end of the day. More info and to see some more pics of the school visit www.picman.co.uk
So now there's a new kid on the block offering bike insurance to UK motorcyclists. Tesco Compare bike insurance is a brand new service aimed at providing a higher quality comparison service for riders.
Tesco Compare bike insurance is different to other bike insurance price comparison sites because they compare more than just price. You can also see following;
>Who the insurer is that you will be insured with
>How much your excess will cost you if you are unfortunate enough to need to make a claim
>Whether the policy will allow you to ride other bikes
>Whether you get breakdown cover as standard
>Whether you are covered for riding overseas
Tesco Compare bike insurance compares quotes from upto 22 bike insurance brokers including MCE, H+R, Hastings, MotorCycle Direct, Devitt, Direct Choice, AQuote and loads more.
When you get a quote with Tesco Compare bike insurance you also get a totally free legal expenses insurance policy, giving you upto £100,000 in cover if you need it.
So for a great choice, and a comprehensive list of who covers you for what covers, go and use Tesco Compare bike insurance now for your bike insurance quote.
Ok so it seems to me that the whole World is going into recession, everyone company is selling off their assets and despite fuel prices dropping from $145 to $90 a barrel in the last few weeks, the good old public are still being shafted at the pumps.
I remember when I were a lad, my dad said to me "You look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves..." Its only now that I realised its true. Nowadays, when I go to shop at Tesco, I always buy the yoghurt that is 2 for 1 or the toothpaste thats buy one get one free. And everyone is doing the same thing. All the products on offer always go first, and quite right too. I love Tesco and all the supermarkets that do their bit to help out the consumer.
Similarly, when I bought a holiday recently for my family, I made sure that I went to Thomas Cook, Co-Op and all the other high street stores and did the best deal I could for my holiday. I probably only saved £120 or so but it felt good to me anyway and justified my time spent.
I'll tell you what amazes me though and I simply dont understand it. When it comes to bike insurance I still here of riders going straight to the broker and buying their insurance without taking the time to compare bike insurance with a price comparison website.
Ok, I work for The Bike Insurer so I am bound to be biased, but I think that every single motorcyclist should visit one price comparison website and spend a few minutes making sure the price they got from the broker is at least as good as that offered on the price comparison website. At The Bike Insurer, we compare bike insurance from upto 23 brokers including MCE, Hastings Direct, H+R, Direct Choice, eBike and AQuote. Yes, you could go to these companies directly but here you can compare bike insurance in 5 minutes from not only these companies but loads more. Also, with The Bike Insurer we even give you a free Legal policy worth upto £25.00 just for getting a quote.
So please please do yourself a favour and take just 5 minutes to do this. Compare bike insurance quotes now. Worst case is your broker has given you a deal that cant be beaten, but more likely is that you can save yourself a few quid. Remember - you look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.
Ok so it seems to me that the whole World is going into recession, everyone company is selling off their assets and despite fuel prices dropping from $145 to $90 a barrel in the last few weeks, the good old public are still being shafted at the pumps.
I remember when I were a lad, my dad said to me "You look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves..." Its only now that I realised its true. Nowadays, when I go to shop at Tesco, I always buy the yoghurt that is 2 for 1 or the toothpaste thats buy one get one free. And everyone is doing the same thing. All the products on offer always go first, and quite right too. I love Tesco and all the supermarkets that do their bit to help out the consumer.
Similarly, when I bought a holiday recently for my family, I made sure that I went to Thomas Cook, Co-Op and all the other high street stores and did the best deal I could for my holiday. I probably only saved £120 or so but it felt good to me anyway and justified my time spent.
I'll tell you what amazes me though and I simply dont understand it. When it comes to bike insurance I still here of riders going straight to the broker and buying their insurance without taking the time to compare bike insurance with a price comparison website.
Ok, I work for The Bike Insurer so I am bound to be biased, but I think that every single motorcyclist should visit one price comparison website and spend a few minutes making sure the price they got from the broker is at least as good as that offered on the price comparison website. At The Bike Insurer, we compare bike insurance from upto 23 brokers including MCE, Hastings Direct, H+R, Direct Choice, eBike and AQuote. Yes, you could go to these companies directly but here you can compare bike insurance in 5 minutes from not only these companies but loads more. Also, with The Bike Insurer we even give you a free Legal policy worth upto £25.00 just for getting a quote.
So please please do yourself a favour and take just 5 minutes to do this. Compare bike insurance quotes now. Worst case is your broker has given you a deal that cant be beaten, but more likely is that you can save yourself a few quid. Remember - you look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Eliot Stone as the new marketing manager for The Bike Insurer.
Eliot Stone is a highly experienced and flexible professional who has over 12 years experience working in the motorbike insurance marketplace. He joins us from an insurance broker with whom he helped grow their customer base by 36% over a 2 year period.
The key areas Eliot Stone will look after are email campaigns, design and layout of the website and overall look and feel of The Bike Insurer brand.
Eliot Stone will commence his new role on October 1st and we look forward to welcoming him on board.
About The Bike Insurer:
The Bike Insurer was the World's 1st motorcycle insurance price comparison website and we now provide approximately 1 in 2 of all UK motorcyclists with a quote. We work with 23 insurance brokers and have a number of unique USP's in the marketplace to help us stand out from the competition.
