Motorcycle Insurance

A new service has been launched to help bikers avoid buying motorcycles with a shady past - something that its operators claim to be a growing problem.

Motorcycling is hugely popular in the UK, with ten per cent of Britain's license-holders being bikers and 480,000 motorbikes being sold last year alone.

However, a new study by Experian suggests that this has created a considerable opportunity for crooks to deceive motorcyclists into buying bikes that are un-roadworthy or were not legally obtained in the first place.

Motorcycle Insurance - Great Quotes!

This has been the motivation for the company to launch its new Check ABike service, which checks the legitimacy of a motorbike's history on the consumer's behalf before they make a purchase.

Rob Whalley, managing director of Experian's automotive division, explained: "Check ABike is a brand new service for bikers with lots of extra information specific to motorcycles in order to help protect their particular needs.

"Check ABike uses data sources that have been specifically built for the bike market, enabling them to be more confident that the motorcycle they are looking at is the right one for them."

Mr Whalley said that the service is being launched now because the height of summer is the most popular time both for buying and riding motorbikes.

20/11/08 - Actor's bike up for grabs at UNICEF auction. Motorbike insurance customers may be scrambling to get their hands on a new vehicle after Ewan McGregor put one of his prized collectables up for sale.

20/11/08 - Ex-Superbike Champion to front new safety scheme. Riders are to be targeted by a new safety campaign fronted by TV motorsport presenter Louise Brady and former Superbike Champion Steve Parrish.

19/11/08 - Police take to the air to catch yobs. Police are committed to tackling rogue riders causing havoc in South Oxhey, and will track offenders with police helicopters if necessary.

Past motorbike news