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Is a Motorbike Better Than a Car?
Why Riding a Motorbike in the UK Beats Driving a Car
For many in the UK, commuting is a daily frustration filled with traffic jams, high fuel costs, and parking nightmares. While cars may offer comfort and convenience, motorbikes present a compelling alternative that is not only more efficient but also more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to cut down on travel time, beat congestion, or simply to ease the stress, here’s why swapping four wheels for two makes perfect sense.
1. Save Time on Your Commute
One of the biggest advantages of riding a motorbike is the time saved on journeys. Filtering through stationary or slow-moving traffic is legal in the UK, meaning bikers can keep moving while cars remain stuck in gridlock. This is especially beneficial in busy urban areas like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, where rush-hour traffic can turn a short trip into an hours-long ordeal.
Even on longer journeys, motorbikes tend to have better acceleration and manoeuvrability, allowing riders to maintain a steady pace without the constant stop-start motion that plagues car drivers. This means less time spent on the road and more time doing the things that matter.
2. Ease the Congestion For Everyone
With UK roads becoming increasingly congested, finding a way to navigate them efficiently is crucial. Motorbikes take up less space than cars, allowing riders to bypass queues and avoid getting stuck behind slow-moving vehicles. Which in turn means that you’re not adding a car or van sized object into the, already busy, roads. Everyone gets there faster.
Additionally, parking is far simpler on a motorbike. Many cities provide dedicated motorcycle parking bays, and riders can often find spaces where cars simply wouldn’t fit. Et voila… you’ve freed up a spot for someone else. Social bonus points scored!
3. A More Mindful and Engaging Experience
Beyond the practical benefits, riding a motorbike provides an unparalleled sense of freedom and connection with the road. Unlike being boxed inside a car, bikers are fully engaged with their surroundings, feeling the road beneath them and the elements around them. This heightened awareness makes motorcycling a far more immersive and mindful experience.
Many riders find that the concentration required for biking clears their minds of daily stress, acting as a form of moving meditation. The focus on balance, road positioning, and smooth riding techniques creates a sense of connection with your surroundings that few car drivers experience.
4. Lower Running Costs
With fuel prices continuing to rise, motorbikes offer a more cost-effective alternative to cars. Bikes generally have better fuel efficiency which coupled with maintenance, insurance, and road tax for motorbikes tending to be cheaper than for cars, it makes the two wheel option an attractive option for budget-conscious commuters. And that’s before you’ve thought about comparing the costs to a season ticket on the trains!
5. Embrace the Adventure
Beyond commuting, motorbikes open up a world of adventure. Weekend rides through the UK’s stunning countryside and coastal roads offer an escape from the mundane. Whether you’re exploring the winding roads of the Lake District or cruising along the coast of Cornwall, riding a motorbike transforms travel into an exhilarating experience.
In Conclusion…
While cars have their place, motorbikes offer a smarter, faster, and more engaging way to travel in the UK. With the ability to beat congestion, save time, and cultivate a stress-free mentality on the road, motorbikes are more than just a mode of transport—they’re a lifestyle choice. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an adventure seeker, switching to two wheels could be one of the best decisions you make.
Get in touch with us now if you’re looking to do your CBT or DAS Full Licence. We’re helping people throughout the South East and London including Kent, Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire.
Module 2 Show me / Tell me (Maintenance) Questions
| TOPIC | SHOW/TELL | QUESTION | ANSWER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil | Tell me | Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. | Identify where to check level, i.e. dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking. |
| Horn | Show me | Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only). | Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary). |
| Brake Fluid | Tell me | Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid. | Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. |
| Lights | Tell me | Tell me how you would check that the lights and reflectors are clean and working. | Explanation only: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation. |
| Brake Light | Show me | Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working. | Operate brake, place hand over light or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. |
| Chain | Tell me | Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine. | Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place. |
| Steering | Show me | Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine. | Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts. |
| Tyres | Tell me | Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. | Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least ¾ of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears. |
| Front Brake | Show me | Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine. | Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake. |
| Brakes | Show me | Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine. | Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess. |
| Emergency Cut Out | Show me | Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch. | Operate switch, without the engine being started. |
| Rear Fog Light | Show me | Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it (if fitted). | Operate switch (turn on ignition and dipped headlights if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use. |
| Headlight | Show me | Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam. | Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light. |
Module 2 Pillion Passenger Questions
What advice you would give a pillion passenger?
• Make sure they are wearing the correct clothing including an approved safety helmet.
• Make sure they sit on the bike astride, facing forwards with their feet on the foot pegs at all times.
• Tell them were to hold. Either to the rider or the grab rail.
• Don’t fidget about.
• Lean with the rider and the bike into the corners.
• Don’t do any arm signals.
• Don’t look over my shoulder.
What adjustments would you make to the bike if you were taking a pillion passenger?
• Increase the tyre pressures according to the manufacturer’s advice (owner’s manual).
• Adjust the suspension according to the manufacturer’s advice (owner’s manual).
• Fold the foot pegs down.
• Adjust the headlights according to the manufacturer’s advice (owner’s manual).
• Adjust the mirrors up, as the back will squat down.
How is the extra weight on the back going to affect the handling?
• Acceleration is going to be affecting. On more powerful bike the front could go very light.
• Deceleration is affected. Stopping distances are going to increase.
• Cornering is going to be affected. Centre of gravity is higher therefore it is wise to go into corners slower.
• Front wheel is going to be lighter. Therefore it will feel a little bit vague.
What would affect your balance?
• Wind.
• Drink/Drugs.
• Poorly maintained machine.
• Additional weight.
• Road surface.