Motorbiking In Spain

It’s that time of year when all the ‘fair weather’ bikers in Spain dust off their motorbike that has been sat in the garage all winter.

Dust off the cobwebs, tinker with the engine,add a few more custom parts and run through a health check for your bike

Basic health check includes:

• Operation of lights and horn;

• Engine/transmission oil, clutch and brake fluid levels – any need for regular topping up is an indicator of a leak or other problem;

• Tyre condition and tread depth – any cuts to the tyre needs to be attended to immediately as does tread worn unevenly or to the legal limit;

• Check tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold. Under-inflation causes premature tyre wear and poor handling;

• Ensure the chain is correctly adjusted and lubricated with a purpose specific chain lubricant;

• Operation of controls such as clutch and brake levers, mirrors, gear shift and switches. Adjust if necessary so that they are working properly and can be used comfortably

• Adjust mirrors to provide the optimum field of vision to the rear and sides of the motorcycle. Careful positioning will reduce blind spots; and

• Ensure any luggage racks, top-box, panniers or bags are secure and not rubbing on the bike’s mechanical or moving parts. Keep touring screens clear of bugs and smears.

Then what ???

Helmet, leathers (if it’s still a little chilly for you), Insurance???

Helmet

The Best Way to Try on Your Helmet

• The cheek pads should touch your cheeks without pressing uncomfortably.

• There should be no gaps between your temples and the brow pads.

• If the helmet has a neck roll, it shouldn't push the helmet away from the back of your neck.

• On full-face helmets, press on the chin piece. The helmet or face shield should not touch your nose or chin. If it does, it will surely do so at speed from wind pressure.Hold it by the chin straps. The bottom of the helmet should face you with the front pointing down.

• Put your thumbs on the inside of the straps, balancing the helmet with your fingertips.

• Spread the sides of the helmet apart slightly and slip it down over your head using the chin straps.

• The helmet should fit snugly and may even feel a bit too tight until it is in place correctly. Be sure it sits squarely on your head. It shouldn't be tilted back on your head like a hat. Remember, if your helmet is too large, several things could happen: it will move around and up and down on your head when you least want it to; it can be noisy and let in wind; worst of all, it may come off in a crash!

• Once the helmet is on your head, make a few other fit checks before fastening the straps.

Leathers/Protective gear

I know it may be tempting with the lovely climate in Spain to wizz out on your bike dressed as you would in your car, but the simple answer is a big fat NO !!!

Even travelling at a relatively slow speed, the gravel rash that you could get if you come off in Shorts and T Shirt is not nice at all - And Flip Flops - REALLY !!!

It doesn’t have to be leather, you can get some great gear that is ‘mesh ventilated textile’ that contains kevlar.

Right, so you have checked the bike, have the correct helmet and riding gear,now to the insurance.

Motorbike insurance is not much different in Spain than the UK.

The legal requirement is third party only (In Spain it will also cover travel assistance)

Premiums for this level of cover can start from as little as 120€ a year.

So at this sort of premium there really is no excuse to be uninsured.

Other options are as follows

Fully comprehensive - This includes own damage (You can add an excess to the policy to lower the premium

Third party fire and theft

Third party and fire

Third party only

You should check that your policy includes European breakdown assistance and green card (For all you bikers that like to travel further afield (All policies we offer include this)

So what are you waiting for ???

Get your bike road ready today and enjoy the wonderful biking routes available all across sunny Spain.

To get a competitive quote today click on the following link https://goo.gl/41ijrB

Go to the website www.gpsinsuranceservices.com

Email gaynor@gpsinsuranceservices.com

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