There are many reasons to learn to ride a motorbike, but in recent times rising petrol prices have made it a more important consideration than ever.
Motorbikes can offer substantial savings when compared to driving a car although there are a number of important factors to consider before you make the switch. For example, motorcycles will not generally offer the luggage carrying capabilities of cars; and they can be more problematic when the weather isn’t good.
However, for young people in particular, the savings can be substantial. For example, a scooter that can achieve around 100mpg could potentially save you more than £1,000 a year on petrol alone. There are other savings to be made too, as motorbike insurance is typically less expensive than car insurance; and motorcycle maintenance tends to be less expensive than car maintenance.
The biggest upfront cost you will find is the price of the motorbike itself. In the case of young riders, it may be necessary to buy a scooter or a motorbike with a relatively small engine initially to save on insurance and build up your skill levels. However, with the Saltire buy back scheme any 12-33bhp machine sold can be returned to Saltire Suzuki as a trade-in against your desired bike with you receiving the price you paid for it, less any conditioning costs. There are also learner equipment packages available to help new bikers save on riding gear.
So if you live in Edinburgh, Fife or indeed anywhere across the Lothian region, it’s worth making an assessment of your commuting and social needs and thinking carefully about whether riding a motorbike could save you money. If you’re a conscientious rider then there are definitely savings to be made as long as you let Saltire Suzuki give you a helping hand.
