The UK is full of the long, winding roads that are perfect for exploring by motorbike, so it should come as no surprise that there are currently more than 1.3 million motorbikes on our roads. If you own one of these, or are looking to become a motorbike owner, there are a few essentials that you should know.

In this blog post, we share the facts and rules for owning a motorbike in the UK, plus some handy tips on buying your first bike and caring for it properly.

First, the basics!

In the UK, you shouldn’t be riding anywhere without motorbike tax. It is a legal requirement to tax any vehicle that is driven or kept on a public road, and without it, you’ll leave yourself liable for a fine. The cost of motorbike tax varies, with the amount you pay based on the engine size of your bike, not its emissions. Bikes that are over 40 years old or electric are likely to be exempt.

Another essential for bikes aged between 3 and 40 years old is an MOT. An MOT will confirm the safety and roadworthiness of your motorbike, and it is required by law.

Other legal essentials

You’ll also need insurance, licensing and training, plus the appropriate safety gear to ride your motorbike legally in the UK. All riders must wear a helmet that meets the necessary safety standards to remain compliant and safe.

Buying a bike

If you’re yet to buy a motorbike, there are several boxes a potential purchase should tick before you commit. You can check its logbook, MOT history and vehicle history before you even agree to a viewing. We also recommend obtaining an insurance quote and deciphering other running costs (such as tax, MOT, fuel and servicing) in advance.

Motorcycle maintenance

Once you’ve made your purchase, you should make a year-round commitment to keeping it MOT ready.

There are a number of key components that require regular maintenance to achieve just that, including the tyres, brakes, lights, indicators, horn, mirrors, chain and sprockets. Many motorcycle owners conduct weekly or monthly checks to prevent problems, premature failures and breakdowns, and these checks can take as little as 5 minutes to complete.

Protecting your motorbike from the great British weather is another must. Rain, salt, damp air and winter road grit all take their toll. When not in use, we suggest storing it with us to keep it in the best condition, while investing in a breathable cover – not a plastic tarp - is recommended when storing your mototbike at home.