What is the first word you think and associate with people who drive motorcycles? How about irresponsible, reckless, crazy, dumb, adrenaline junkies? All of those words are common perceptions of bike riders. Unfortunately, not all motorcycle riders fit into that category but it’s the few irresponsible riders that give the transportation a bad rep.

People love the thrill and adrenaline rush of cruising at high speeds down a highway with only two wheels supporting your weight. They love the feeling of the air crashing against the side of their face. However, too often people go too fast and lose control of their bike. The accidents are tragic and often deadly.

A lot of people associate airplanes are more dangerous than vehicles. That couldn’t be further from the truth. You are much less likely to be in an airplane crash than you are a car pile-up. The same holds true for motorcycles. The odd of getting into an accident aren’t as high as people always think, but they are very deadly when they do occur.

Insurance companies understand that and are willing to adjust premiums individually based on several factors. It will not change the perception that motor bikes are “high risk,” but the agencies will change their opinion somewhat based on the driver.

Some riders look to pass the test and receive their licenses and consequently are on the road wrecking havoc. But this is a guaranteed way to have a high premium. Touting experience when it comes to motorcycle riding is extremely important in the eyes of the insurance industry.

Take an approved motorcycle training course. These courses are designed to teach safety and the proper ways to handle your bike. The courses are not only benefitted to the driver, but also go a long way in showing the insurance company you plan on driving safe and know what you are doing.

Insurance providers heavily analyze your past driving history before they even begin to issue a quote. Believe it or not, brokers will decline to even offer a quote if they do not agree with your reckless driving past. So make sure you have a solid driving history unless you feel like paying through the roof.

Also, insurance brokers generally insist that drivers install a tracking device to their ride, because motorcycles are very easy to steal. The premiums will stay higher in this category than cars, however installing a tracking device can go a long way to reassuring the insurance company.

Motorcycle insurance is considered “high risk” and expensive, however with a few minor qualities, the quote can automatically drop and the premium stays much lower.

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at insurance123.co.zaSouth Africa’s leading Motorcycle Insurance information portal