Owning a motorbike offers a truly unique way to travel. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom it offers, and if you’re currently looking for your first bike, know that you’re in for a great time. That said, there are a few key elements you’ll want to consider before making your purchase, both in terms of choosing the right bike and staying safe while out on the road. In this short article, you’ll learn about six of the most important things you should know about owning and riding a bike in 2026.
1. Licensing and Training
While you might think it goes without saying, there are far too many people who forget this part. Riding a bike is a big responsibility, and you’ll need to make sure you’ve completed all your training. In the UK, that means first completing the compulsory basic training (CBT). Once you’ve got that and have passed the full motorcycle test, you’ll then be able to apply for your personal licence. Regarding bike categories, there’s AM, A1, A2, and A, which each represent the different engine sizes. If you want to ride a bigger bike, you’ll need the right category entitlement to do so.
2. Motorbike Insurance
Everyone legally needs insurance to ride a bike, the most basic of which is third-party motorbike insurance, which covers any injury you cause to other people. You’d do well to look for more specialised options, however. When choosing a policy, it’s always a good idea to work with a broker who has direct experience with bike insurance, such as Carol Nash. You can find a full breakdown of the sort of cover offered on their website, and there are multiple different packages available depending on the sort of bike you ride.
3. Regulations
While regulations might be a bit boring, they’re important to know. They govern how licensing and safety work, ensuring that anyone who can legally ride a bike is fit to do so. These standards are always changing, so it’s key to review them each year to stay up to date (there might come a time when you need to retrain in a certain area, for example). You can check out the Highway Code for Motorbikes here.
4. Legal Compliance
Just like with a car, your bike must be legally roadworthy. This means having your MOT when you need to and properly registering the vehicle with the DVLA. You’ll also need to keep certain documentation safe and to hand, such as the V5C registration certificate and documents recording your Passed MOT and proof of insurance. Riding without this is illegal and will lead to fines and points on your license, so make sure you do everything by the book.
5. Equipment and Maintenance
Motorbikes are inherently more dangerous than cars, so the equipment you wear and the gear you use are major factors in keeping you safe as you ride. A proper helmet, along with full leathers, gloves, and a protective jacket, is essential, and you’ll want boots that have good grip and support your feet through regular manoeuvres. You’ll also need to make sure this clothing is cleaned regularly, especially the helmet, as the visor needs to be free of dirt and smudges so that you can see properly at all times. It’s critical to have your bike regularly checked over, too. You should be routinely checking your tyres for pressure and tread depth and inspecting the brakes for optimum functioning (and this is all in addition to your MOT).
6. The Role of Technology in Motorbike Riding
And finally, there’s the technology factor. Motorcycle riding is far more technologically advanced than it was in the past, and just like with modern cars, there are many potential onboard features you should know about that may inform your decision on what bike to buy. The most important ones are safety features, such as traction control, ride-by-wire throttles, and cornering ABS. Once you get your bike, you’ll need to spend plenty of time familiarising yourself with the main control panel so that you’re able to implement these tools on the fly. Many bikes also connect directly to your smartphone for diagnostics and maintenance information, which is a nice feature to have for staying organised.
