Learner insurance for a big bike - anyone know of a company?

[Jug]

Just looking into insurance for a learner on a class A bike (big bike)... problem is the rider hasn't passed their test and this appears to be a sticking point with standard insurance. This is a situation I would have thought is common place for cars so can't see why motorcycles are treated differently.

Anybody got any ideas, or know of an insurance company that will insure someone whilst learning?

The basic restrictions for a learner to ride is that the bike must have L plates and thus can only be ridden whilst being accompanied by an instructor or an examiner who is in contact via an intercom.

[Kata]

Why they getting the bike? I thought training schools provide them?

[Jug]

Well... a couple of reasons.

Training schools can provide them but then you are tied to the training schools diary wrt to test dates, which can be a problem this time of year. If you have your own bike (and means to shuttle the bike to the test centre) you can arrange your own test dates.

Could also save a few quid, no bike hire cost and potentially no need to have the instructor with you for the duration of the tests.

[billinom8s]

How old is the Bike? Carol Nash was always pretty good with older bikes and learners.

[Jug]

It's a 2015.

Carol Nash, worth a try.

[Kata]

But you can't ride it without a qualified instructor (outside the test)?

[Kata]

https://www.gov.uk/become-direct-access ... instructor

[Jug]

But you can't ride it without a qualified instructor (outside the test)?

Correct.

Would also mean that once you pass your test you can ride home on your own bike and start riding from then on.
Either way it shouldn't be an issue, you are legally allowed to ride your own bike when accompanied so why are the insurance companies so ill prepare for this situation?

Anyway, Carol Nash not check yet but so far it seems insurance can be had but only for 60 days, you have to pass within 60 days of the policy starting or it gets cancelled, and no doubt most of your money taken in admin fees...
60 days is doable though, start insurance close to the mod 1 test which will give almost 2 month to sort the mod 2.

[Kata]

It will be interesting to.see of you can do it. The Boss is doing her mcycle license as well but probably will stay on a 125 for a while.

[Smiler]

Oooh fingers crossed for the Mrs! However you end up getting her on the road, wish her the best of luck from me please

[Fozz]

It will be interesting to.see of you can do it. The Boss is doing her mcycle license as well but probably will stay on a 125 for a while.

Yep thats what my wife did,passed on her 125,rode for couple years to gain full licence before stepping up to bigger bike.
She tried lessons on a 600 but the extra weight of the bike meant she wasnt confident enough to take her test on it.

[Jug]

Yep thats what my wife did,passed on her 125,rode for couple years to gain full licence before stepping up to bigger bike.
She tried lessons on a 600 but the extra weight of the bike meant she wasnt confident enough to take her test on it.

Can't do that anymore Fozz.
Doing your test on a 125 would only give you an A2 license now, so you'd be capped at 125's but wouldn't need an L plate.
You have to take your test on the 600 or above now if you want a "big bike".

[Jug]

Oooh fingers crossed for the Mrs! However you end up getting her on the road, wish her the best of luck from me please

This is all purely hypothetical you realise... but yes, I'll pass your luck on.

[Jug]

Carol Nash said no..., and their advisers didn't actually know it was possible with other insurance companies.
Just so strange that we've got locked into this "do a bike course to get a licence" mentality, one where your instructor provides the bike and arranges all your tests.
I suppose for lots of people that makes sense as it's the least hassle route. Problem is it'll take the longest time to complete and cost more than it should.

[Kata]

Why the longest time? You can do a direct access in 4 days with some Companies. Yes it's not cheap.