If you want to go beyond factory styling and truly make your Panigale V4 your own, custom stickers for motorcycles offer a high-impact, low-effort way to do it. Vulturbike.com is known worldwide for producing high-quality, model-specific graphics that give your fairings a custom look—almost as if they were professionally painted.

What to Expect from the 2025 Ducati Panigale V4

 This latest version of the Panigale V4 delivers performance and design upgrades aimed at riders who demand more. Sleeker aerodynamics, refined electronics, and improved chassis tuning push the rideability and control even further. The engine—the same 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale powerhouse—now feels smoother and more connected, thanks to updated ride modes and a more intuitive interface.

It’s a bike built for speed but engineered for precision. And while it’s visually stunning right out of the showroom, there’s still space to make it match your personal style.

Tailored Design for a Custom Look

Generic decals won’t do justice to a bike like this. That’s why it’s worth choosing graphics designed specifically for the Ducati Panigale V4. Custom kits are precision-cut to fit the exact shape of the bike’s fairings, tank, and tail, creating a seamless look that blends with the original design. No awkward edges. No trimming is required.

These graphics don’t just stick on—they integrate into the bike’s bodywork. From a distance, it can look like a custom paint job. Up close, the quality of the materials and fit make the difference clear.

Materials That Match the Machine

 A high-performance motorcycle deserves materials that can keep up. The best custom sticker kits use premium vinyl and industrial-grade adhesive designed to withstand heat, rain, sun, and wind at high speed. Whether you’re riding through summer heat or getting caught in unexpected rain, the graphics hold up without peeling, fading, or lifting.

Finishes range from matte and gloss to brushed metal and carbon-look textures. Each one brings a different tone to the bike, letting you choose between subtle detail or bold contrast.

Designed for Ducati—and BMW Too

 While Ducati owners will find plenty of model-specific options—especially for the Panigale lineup—BMW riders aren’t left out. Graphics are available for models like the S1000RR and M1000RR, offering the same high quality and model-specific fit.

The full collection of custom stickers for motorcycles is available at VulturBike, where kits are organized by make and model for easy browsing.

Make Your Ride an Extension of You

 A motorcycle like the Panigale V4 is an extension of the rider. It reflects choices, taste, and the kind of experience being chased on the road or track. Upgrading performance parts is one way to make it personal, but exterior design plays just as big a role.

Whether you prefer a minimalist look or a full-on race replica design, the right graphic kit turns your machine into something unmistakably yours. It’s about showing up with a bike that not only performs at the top of its class—but looks like it, too.

Straightforward Installation

 Even without professional tools or a garage setup, installation is simple with the right kit. Most sticker sets include everything needed to line up each piece correctly, along with clear instructions. The adhesive is strong enough for long-term use, yet removable without damaging the fairings if you ever decide to change the look.

If you prefer to have the kit installed by a pro, any custom shop or detailing expert familiar with motorcycle wraps will be able to apply it cleanly.

Final Thought

 The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 is already a masterpiece of engineering. But making it reflect your identity is what takes it to the next level. With high-quality, model-specific graphics, it’s easy to transform the look of your bike without altering the performance—or the original paint.

However, like everything in life, riding a motorbike also carries risks. Motorcyclists are much more prone to road accidents and, therefore, need to be more attentive to their surroundings and know what to do in case of an unexpected event.
Learn more about the joys of motorcycling and the basic precautions to take if you suffer an accident.

The Thrills of Motorcycle Adventures

Who has never stopped to admire a motorcycle club? The Hells Angels, for instance, have grown into one of the most recognisable clubs worldwide, with chapters spread across the globe, including in Europe, Australia, North and South America, and Asia. The club’s insignia, a skull with wings known as the “Death Head,” has become iconic. Their influence extends into popular media, with the group being depicted in films, books, and music, further cementing their status as a symbol of rebellion and freedom on the road.

But why is motorcycling so popular? The answer is straightforward. This activity provides a strong sense of belonging and community among its members. Being a motorcyclist is like being part of a brotherhood built on shared interests, experiences, and the collective enjoyment of riding. For many, this social environment offers a support system and a family-like environment. Online forums and events like bike rallies also provide spaces where enthusiasts can unite, share their passion, and learn from each other.

Becoming a motorcyclist can significantly shape one’s identity and social interactions, offering numerous avenues for personal expression and engagement with others. Conversations can range from discussing road trips and mechanical tips to the latest gear and bikes.

Moreover, there is a sense of freedom. Feeling the wind on your face and the adrenaline of speed – without any glass or metal separating you from the elements of nature – provokes a sense of liberation and rebellion that can even be addictive.

Motorcycle riding requires and develops physical coordination, balance, and mental alertness. It’s an engaging activity that can help riders stay physically and mentally sharp. Additionally, the focus and concentration needed while riding can serve as a form of moving meditation, offering a mental respite from the stresses of daily life.

What to Do After a Motorbike Accident

Along with all these benefits, there are some associated risks. Motorcycles represent just 1% of traffic but account for nearly 20% of road deaths. Approximately 80% of these accidents are attributed to the negligence of other road users (Ortiz, 2024).

• Therefore, knowing what to do in case of accidents is crucial. Here are some essential tips.
  • Move away from the street or road and go to the shoulder or some safer place. Self-check for signs of fractures or major injuries. Then, assess the health of other people involved. If you have doubts about your own situation or that of others, call emergency services. In the UK, you can dial 999 on your mobile phone.
  • Turn on hazard lights to warn others and prevent further collisions. Do not move the motorcycle or any other involved vehicles unless they pose an immediate risk to others, as this could disrupt valuable evidence. Letting a loved one know about the incident can provide emotional support and help you manage the situation more effectively.
  • Exchange names, addresses, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers with the other parties involved. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
  • Take photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Try to capture different angles and any skid marks or road conditions that contributed to the accident.
  • Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention in the following hours or days. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent. Furthermore, medical reports play a crucial role in obtaining compensation.
  • Lastly, and just as importantly, contact motorbike accident solicitors. This step is crucial because, after an accident, you may be dealing with both material losses—such as the repair of your motorcycle—as well as medical and emotional consequences.
  • Solicitors have access to networks of rehabilitation and treatment professionals, ensuring you receive the necessary care swiftly to facilitate your recovery.
  • They manage the entirety of the compensation claim process on your behalf, from meticulously gathering all the requisite evidence to negotiating liability with the opposing party or securing it through legal judgment. Their goal is to achieve a comprehensive settlement that encompasses medical expenses, personal injury, lost earnings, and any additional costs that may arise.

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle knows it’s one of the greatest pleasures in life. Being prepared for any eventuality makes this activity even more fun and safe.

References

Ortiz, P. (2024), 11 Motorcycle Accident Statistics in the UK: 2024 Update. Available at: https://housegrail.com/motorcycle-accident-statistics-uk/ (Accessed: 10 Apr 2024)

The world of motorcycles is fast-paced and ever-changing, and every year sees the unveiling of a host of new models, designs, and technology.

But what are some of the hottest bikes to watch in 2023? We took a closer look; get ready for some amazing inspiration, as well as some serious motorbike envy!

1. Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

At the top of the pile sits the amazing example of craftsmanship, the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS – a bike so celebrated that it was named MCN Overall Bike of the Year for 2023.

This honour sees the model excel in every category, and emerge as the best of the best compared to all elements of the competition. The victory also sees another year at the top spot for Triumph – 2022 saw the brand win the Bike of the Year gong for the Tiger Sport 660.

…elements that bring the look, feel, and performance of the bike bang up to date – and even peeking into the future.

The Street Triple 765 RS has gained acclaim for its use of the latest in biking technology, as well as an innovative chassis and overall enhancements to styling. These are all elements that bring the look, feel, and performance of the bike bang up to date – and even peeking into the future.

This bike features the highest-spec Brembo Stylema brakes seen to date, offering incredible braking power and control. This is combined with engine upgrades inspired by racing bikes, offering an amazing road and track duality and a new performance benchmark for the competition to beat.

With 130PS of triple power, the Street Triple 765 RS is proving to be firmly a motorcycle to watch – although if you will be following behind on the track, the only thing you are likely to see is dust.

2. 2023 BMW R 1250 RS

For a bike that oozes style and elegance, the stunning 2023 BMW R 1250 RS embodies the perfect combination of speed, style, and power. There can be no wonder, then, that it has featured in so many “one to watch” lists for 2023.

Once again, this is a model that is just as comfortable on the track as it is touring the countryside. It boasts a two-cylinder Boxer engine with 1254 cc of displacement – more than you need in order to pick up some serious speed and feel the power of technology at every turn.

One key feature of this model is BMW’s ShiftCam technology, which enables riders to enjoy better fuel economy without compromising power, thanks to variable valve timing.

Eco Mode is another major benefit of this bike; it sits comfortably across Rain and Road modes to allow a wide range of options depending on the surface, speed, and your riding preferences. Do you want to stay up to date with the amount of fuel you are using? Then check out the TFT display in Eco Mode for up-to-the-minute data that allows you to make fast, efficient riding decisions.

Overall, this is an impressive offering from BMW, and has proven to be the talk of the town throughout 2023.

3. Verge TS Ultra

The Verge TS Ultra is an electric bike that has taken the world by storm. It features a powerful lithium battery, giving it a range of up over 200 miles on a single charge, which makes it the perfect option for long rides.

This motorcycle’s lightweight design and comfortable riding position make it easy to manoeuvre on city streets. Meanwhile, its impressive torque and a top speed of 124 mph make it perfect for getting out on the open road and feeling the wind in your hair.

Features such as a super-fast charging system and an innovative design offer a comfortable ride – with plenty of agility for fast turns and sharp corners – without you having to wait around for hours for the battery to charge. If you have been looking for an excuse to upgrade to an electric bike, the Verge TS Ultra is definitely worth a look.

Choose Your Ride

While the day-to-day world of motorbike buying may consist of admin such as choosing the best motorbike insurance options and comparing the price of parts, there is no harm in dreaming.

In that spirit, these top three bikes from 2023 are the perfect “starting points” to get lost in a spot of bike-based fantasy – which, depending on your budget and circumstances, you might even be able to transform into reality.

One of the most significant attractions of the Scottish Motorcycle Show is the sheer number and variety of bikes on display. From classic, vintage models to the latest sports bikes and touring motorcycles, the show has something for everyone. Manufacturers such as Harley Davidson, Indian, Triumph, Yamaha, and Royal Enfield all have a significant presence at the event, showcasing their latest models and allowing visitors to get up close and sit on new bikes. Unfortunately, there were still a number of omissions from key manufacturers (like last year), no presence from BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki.

It was a good opportunity to check out the new BSA Goldstar reincarnation, the new Royal Enfield Meteor variants and the latest Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid. My daughter turns 17 this summer and was eyeing up various 125cc bikes, the KTM Duke 125, the Yamaha XSR125, the range of Mutt 125’s and the Reiju Tango Scrambler. Unfortunately, there were no stands with the latest Chinese offerings like the Sinnis Terrain.

In addition to the manufacturer displays, there are also many motorcycle clubs and organisations exhibiting at the show, highlighting the strong biker community up here. This provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to find like-minded bikers to ride and socialise with.

Many motorcycle clothing and gear retailers were also present with some reasonable discounts on items (Mega Motorcycle Store were selling ~£200 jackets at around £20-30 less than online prices). However, there was very little women’s clothing, much to the chagrin of my daughter in need of a new jacket. Mega Motorcycle Store were the only stand with more than one token women’s jacket covered in pink bits! There were also many charities that do great work exhibiting, for example, the IAM and Blood Bikes Scotland.

For those who are passionate about motorcycle culture, the Scottish Motorcycle Show also offers a range of exhibitions and displays celebrating the history and heritage of motorcycling. This includes exhibits showcasing classic bikes and memorabilia from throughout the decades. Another exciting feature of the Scottish Motorcycle Show is the range of activities and events that take place over the course of the weekend. There were also some stunt shows, skills challenges and demonstrations.

For many visitors, the Scottish Motorcycle Show is more than just a chance to see some cool bikes – it’s an opportunity to connect with other motorcycle enthusiasts and be part of a community. The show attracts a diverse crowd, from young riders just starting out to seasoned veterans, and provides an opportunity for riders of all levels to come together and share their passion.

Overall, the Scottish Motorcycle Show was a good event to pop along to for anyone with an interest in motorcycles. With its wide variety of bikes on display, interactive exhibits, and engaging events, it offers something for everyone and is sure to provide an exciting and memorable experience for visitors. It certainly beats being sat at home waiting for the rain and sleet to clear off at this time of year!

Have you thought about volunteering as a Blood Biker? Have you ever wondered what it is like? Read on if you’d like to find out more about what Blood Biking involves and how my first shift went.

What are Blood Bikers?

Blood Bikers provide a free-of-charge transport service to the NHS run by volunteers in their own time. They deliver small urgent items between NHS sites or to patients’ homes in the community. The service runs in all weathers and supports teams in primary and secondary care including GPs, District Nurses, Care Homes, and Community Hospitals.

This service is 100% run by volunteers and is reliant upon charitable donations and the free time offered by members. It can save the cash-strapped NHS a lot of money and help the day-to-day running of care the NHS provides, which ultimately helps patients in need.

Do you carry blood then?

Some Blood Biker groups do carry blood, but not all do. Blood Bikes Scotland doesn’t, other services already cover that here. Nonetheless, there are many other important items that need delivering, for example, medicines, test samples, paperwork, and patient personal effects.

Do I deliver on my own motorbike?

Within some Blood Biker groups, riders will volunteer their own motorcycle for delivering items. However, Blood Bikes Scotland has their own fleet of motorcycles and cars which volunteers use. These are fully liveried up with Hi-Vis and have suitable luggage to transport items. Currently, Blood Bikes Scotland is running BMW RT1250s, but is trialling some Yamaha MT09 Tracers. For when the weather is pants, which is common up here in Scotland, they have a car you can opt to take out instead.

Will I need to do blue-light runs?

No. Blood bikers do not undertake any deliveries so urgent to require blue-light runs. Additionally, Blood Bikers are not trained to perform such high-speed runs on public roads. All deliveries Blood Bikers undertake are less time sensitive and can be undertaken within usual speed limits.

Can I sign up too?

Yes! Blood Biker groups are always looking for additional volunteers. Riders will need to have passed their IAM Advanced test or similar RoSPA test.

However, there are ‘controller’ roles available too. Controllers remain at home, accept incoming job requests then relay these to riders on duty. They also provide assistance as needed, e.g. if a destination cannot be found etc.

When do I need to work?

Available shifts are put up on an online system, where one can sign-up for the days that suit them. You’re typically asked to enrol on a shift at least once a month. Blood Bikers Scotland has recently ramped up the days they offer to now cover 6-days a week, including Saturday and Sunday, so there is plenty of choices to fit shifts in around your other commitments. Shifts run 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on weekends.

What’s a typical shift like?

My first shift with Blood Bikes Scotland went like this:

I picked up the Blood Bike a little before the shift started and ran through some initial pre-ride checks (you’re typical POWDERS stuff) and confirmed all kit needed was present. I then parked up at Forth Valley Hospital and waited for my first job to come in.

Soon enough the controller rang through with a job and SMS’d the details of what to pick up, where from and where to deliver to. My first job was picking up some paperwork records from a community hospital and delivering them to the hospital pharmacy – a nice and simple run. Admin-wise, there are sheets to get filled with signatures and regular SMS updates to the controller, all very straightforward.

This was followed by a couple of jobs delivering medicines to patients who had been discharged from the hospital before they were ready. A very common occurrence when beds desperately need to be freed up, but medicines are not yet ready for patients to take with them. It may seem trivial, but freeing up a bed sooner, can get subsequent patients in and bring further waiting patients stuck outside in ambulances into the hospital.

After a lunch break in the hospital canteen, I had a priority sample delivery from the Forth Valley hospital labs to the Gartnavel Hospital blood transfusion centre. A longer run into the busy city centre of Glasgow, but not anything to phase an ex-London commuter! The biggest issue was the BMW’s built-in Garmin GPS was unaware of all the recent roadworks and closures in Glasgow, causing me to take a slightly convoluted route and then dump me at the other end of the destination road where there is only pedestrian access to the hospital… And similarly on the return, finding my way back onto the A8 where half the slip roads were shut. Note to self, next time I’ll be using Google Maps on my phone with live traffic info before going into Glasgow again.

The day finished with another medicine drop off locally in Falkirk, which proved trickier having not the local knowledge that flat 1-2, is actually floor 1, flat 2, and not flat 12 on the ground floor… Whoops!

Is it enjoyable?

Blood biking is an interesting challenge. OK, there’s no spirited riding around the twisties. Rather, chilled-out city riding and good use of your navigation skills. Finding your way about is definitely a big part of the job, but the controller is always on hand to support you there too. It also felt good to do some inner city riding again, surprising how much I missed it!

It’s fun to see how other drivers react to you riding past on a fully liveried BMW with me in hi-vis and white lid! Though, quite a few did suddenly slam their brakes on and drive stupidly slow when they see you behind, which does get frustrating.

On the job you deal with many people, NHS staff, patients and random folk as you seek directions, and those just interested in what you’re doing. Everyone is super friendly and appreciative of the work you’re doing, it’s always good to know you’re doing something that is helping others, no matter how minor it may be.

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So, what are you waiting for? If you have time you can donate and an advanced RoSPA test pass, why not look up your local Blood Bike group and see if you can volunteer. It’s a worthy cause and a great excuse to do more biking at the same time!

Every experienced motorcyclist knows how important it is to choose a motorcycle that suits his/her riding style, his/her build, and most importantly, his/her ability. In order to choose the best entry-level motorcycle, we should familiarize ourselves with the different types of two-wheelers on the market.

Before we start our guide of motorcycle choices that are beginner friendly, we would like to take a moment to explain briefly how to bet on Motorcycle racing.

How to bet on Motorcycle racing?

You can wager on Motorcycle racing by picking the winner of the race. Along with the field (all other drivers), 20-30 drivers will also be listed. If you bet £10 on Racer A winning at 5/1 odds, and he wins, you will win £50. You also get £10 back, totalling £60. To start betting, one needs to register with a sportsbook, like Lottoland sports or any other reliable provider.

Best Motorcycles for Beginners – General Info

Cruisers

Cruisers are by far the best entry-level bikes. Characterized by a low-slung saddle and a variety of engine sizes (from 500cc to 1800cc), cruisers offer a relaxed riding position that makes them ideal for touring and long journeys between cities. However, they aren’t designed for racing or high-performance situations, so don’t get silly when you ride them for the first time.

Sportbikes

On a sportbike, riders lean forward, knees almost touching their chest, and feet resting on a pair of rear pegs. Sport bikes are designed for high speeds (over 125 mph), their displacement often exceeds 600cc, and they are often ridden in competitions. Fairings and windshields are also on this type of motorcycle for optimal aerodynamics. Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki are among the most popular brand, they build some of the best sports bikes for beginners and are particularly popular with millennials.

Standard (Street) Motorcycles

The category of standard motorcycles is the proverbial “golden mean” of the motorcycle world. Compared to a cruiser, where you lean back, and a sports bike, where you lean forward, standard motorcycles are characterized by an upright seating position. Engine displacement is usually between 450 and 650 ccs, and the maximum seat height is about 30 inches. Standard motorcycles are ideal for beginners by design, but above all, because of the ergonomics they offer the rider. They are comfortable, relatively light, easy to control, and almost never go over 100 mph.

Dual Sport

This category includes dirt bikes and supermoto bikes. Typically, riders sit much higher on these bikes than others, while their displacement is a friendly 250-350cc. (More powerful and heavier dual sport/adventure bikes around 700cc and 1200cc are also available). Because they’re some of the lightest two-wheelers out there, dual-sport bikes are some of the best entry-level bikes (although if you ride a dirt bike, make sure it’s street-legal before hitting the road). However, unless you plan to venture off-road, I would consider buying one of the above bikes. Dual sport bikes are a lot of fun in the dirt, but their knobbly tyres are less suited to street riding.

Top 3 motorcycles for beginners

KTM 390 Duke

KTM’s racing heritage and ability to make bikes that can be used on both tarmac and gravel are its most prominent assets. The brand’s naked 390 Duke bike, weighing in at 329 pounds (149 kg), is an excellent choice for beginners. For such a small bike, the single-cylinder engine makes 44 horsepower. This is a good figure and feels lively. In addition, the KTM 390 Duke is light, agile, and well-designed, making it a great beginner bike.

Honda Rebel 300

The Honda Rebel 300 is an entry-level cruiser made by a company with a great reputation for quality. The Rebel 300 is not only beautiful but also has many features that make riding easy and comfortable. Because the Cruiser’s seat is low, it makes it easy for shorter riders to sit down and rest their feet when it’s needed. The Rebel 300 is a light cruiser at just 360 pounds (163 kg). This makes it one of the most popular bikes for beginners. The Rebel 300’s wide stance and knobbly tires make it stable and comfortable on the roads.

Suzuki SV650

The Suzuki SV650 has been a top-selling entry-level motorcycle since 1999. The SV650’s popularity extends beyond its design to include its V-twin engine and lightweight chassis. It also features a relaxed sitting position. The SV650 also comes with nifty features such as Low RPM Assist, which prevents stalling. This feature is a must-have for novice riders, as it will help you avoid stalling your bike quite often.

But how do you sell a motorcycle? For one, you don’t want to underprice your bike. That’d be cutting its value short. But at the same time, you don’t want to overprice your bike for fear of no one buying it.

Today, we’ll be teaching you exactly how to sell a motorcycle and what you can do to get the maximum price possible from your bike. We’ll give you our favourite tips on selling so that at the end of the day, when it’s time to say goodbye, you’ll be able to give your motorbike the proper farewell.

If you can’t see yourself selling your motorbike, you can always rent out your motorbike to paying customers!

Selling Your Motorbike Step-By-Step Guide

Selling a motorbike is a step-by-step process. You can’t skip one step and expect to succeed the rest of the way. Here’s how selling your motorbike works:

Step One: Know Your Bike

You may know how to ride your bike but do you know every single detail, feature, and kink within that motorcycle’s body? If not, you’re probably selling yourself short. From each upgrade to the service history, you need to become a true aficionado when it comes to understanding your bike’s features because each feature is potentially money in your pocket.

Furthermore, if you can’t answer a potential buyer’s simplest questions, then chances are you’re not going to be able to sell to them. Plain and simple.

Step Two: Take High-Quality Photos

Taking high-quality photos of your bike is severely underrated. In a digital world, most buyers are going to be looking at the photos you post online, not at the actual model in-person. Therefore, if you’re placing blurry, low-quality pictures on the internet for prospects to see, they’re most likely going to look at other models with better pictures where they can examine details that are important to them.

Think of it this way: if you’re looking at two different listings for the same bike but one bike has low-quality images and the other bike has significantly better images, which one are you more likely to choose?

Chances are, you’re going to choose the latter option because you can actually see what the bike entails in terms of quality, shine, and build.

Step Three: Know Your Price

This is where the first step comes in handy. If you know every single detail possible of your bike, you can put a price tag on every detail. This helps you from underselling your motorcycle but you also don’t want to overprice your bike.

That’s where looking into other purchasing platforms comes in handy. You can use popular websites like Bike Exchange, eBay, and even Facebook Marketplace to see how much your model was sold for in the past.

Then, take the average of all the sold models and if you’re happy with the starting price, then you can go from there and negotiate with other buyers. Be prepared to get some lowball offers but remember, bikes naturally diminish in value as time goes by and it’s going to take some time before you even get a reasonable price.

We understand that your bike might be your pride and joy but it’s a free market and because of this, you’re going to need to be realistic about your price.

Step Four: Use Multiple Selling Platforms (And Sell In-Person!)

This is by far my most useful tip and the one that’s helped me sell not only motorcycles but other items of value in the past. Don’t go with one or two selling platforms. Go with six or seven or maybe even ten if you can achieve it!

Each platform has a different customer base to an extent so by putting your motorbike for sale on ten different platforms, you’re reaching hundreds if not thousands of interested buyers every day.

And the one thing that I’ve found to be extremely helpful is putting ads out in the real world. Just by grabbing a couple of dozen banners highlighting my bike’s features and its starting price, I’ve been able to get hundreds of interested buyers over the years.

If you really want to reach every person possible, we highly recommend using multiple selling platforms so you don’t miss out on a buyer who would’ve bought your bike.

Step Five: Don’t Forget the Sales Documents

Another crucial step is to never forget the sales documents because it can make you miss out on a potential sale. (I’m speaking from experience here) When you’re going to sell, you need to be ready to sell it, which means you’ll need the relevant documents handy.

In the UK you need these documents:

• V5C: the vehicle log with details of the current registered owner
• MOT certificate: for any vehicle over 3 years old and MOT check is required yearly. Buyers will want to know the number of months left until the next MOT is due

Note: as of 2014, UK vehicle tax is no longer transferable when selling a vehicle. Sellers should cancel their tax and buyers will need to tax the vehicle in their name.

In the US you need the following documents:

• Title: this serves as the contract between buyer and seller

• Motorcycle VIN: Your VIN (Verification Identification Number) can be found on your motorcycle’s steering neck, the bottom of the cylinders, or on your insurance card.

• Bill of Sale: While not required in some states, this helps protect you from potential disputes since it publicly records the buyer and seller’s signatures, proof of sale, and sales price.

Step Six: Be Open and Transparent

Imagine if you’re the buyer and you have some questions about the bike. You want the seller to properly answer every question you have, right? Now, flip the tables back around. As a seller, you need to be prepared to be open and transparent to every question your buyer might have.

Most of the time, these buyers are spending a lot of money to get a bike so not only will most of them be somewhat on edge, but they also expect full transparency. Long story short, be prepared to provide any information on paperwork, past accidents, insurance, features, services, and warranty.

If you want a definite definition on transparency, think of it this way: if it’s information you would request from a seller when buying a motorcycle, be prepared to provide it when you’re the seller.

Final Thoughts

Selling a motorcycle can be a strenuous process but it doesn’t have to be! As long as you follow our steps, you’ll be good to go when it comes to departing with your bike. From gaining a full understanding of each of your bike’s features to providing the proper paperwork during the sale, we’ve got you covered the next time you need to sell a bike!

We picked the bike up fairly cheaply, but we’ve given it plenty of TLC and it’s held up well. All the routine maintenance has been taken care of with no shortcuts – “Do it right, do it once”, as Guy Martin would say. These Hondas are well known for doing astronomical miles in the hands of couriers and motorcycle schools, and I’m sure this one will keep going for many more miles yet.

Honda CBF500 For Sale

But now we have to say bye to this Honda. Now all cleaned up and on eBay, hoping to take advantage of the buoyant second-hand markets for bikes there is right currently. However, the fact it is lowered appears to be a bit of a sticking point for buyers, so our plan is to revert it back to stock height to hasten a sale.

The bike would make a great first bike for someone starting out or moving up from a 125. It would also be ideal as a winter hack whilst you keep your posh bike cosy in the garage until the spring. Now the bike is ULEZ exempt it would also be perfect as a no-worry London commuter with minimal desirability to thieves. It’ll be sad to see it go, but I’m sure it’ll do someone else a good service.

But what is replacing the Honda I hear you ask? That will be a rather trendy Triumph. Watch this space for more details…

Easy Rider (1969)

No list of bike films would be complete without Easy Rider and the story of Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper) checking out of mainstream society and undertaking a journey from LA to New Orleans Mardi Gras to discover America and themselves. They pick up Jack Nicholson en route for a drug-addled and tragic ride across middle America.

The custom choppers were built by Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy, from 1949, 1950 and 1952 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide ex-police bikes. Four bikes were built to provide backup in case some broke down or got trashed to avoid filming delays.

Find Easy Rider on Amazon

The Great Escape (1963)

In this WWII film about escapees from a German concentration camp, Steve McQueen rides a modified 1960 Triumph TR6 Trophy, but a close friend and stunt double, Bud Ekins pulls off the infamous jump over the barbed fence. Clearly not historically accurate, with the German soldiers apparently riding 196o’s Triumph bikes, but never mind.

Do also check out Guy Martin’s recent documentary where he re-enacts the famous leap on a modern Triumph Scrambler and delves into some of the real-life history of the prisoners of war and their escape from the concentration camp.

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Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

Tom Cruise is no stranger to motorcycles, having rocked a Kawasaki GPz900R in Top Gun back in the ’80s and with a sizeable personal collection of bikes. In Mission Impossible 2 we see Tom hooning around on a Triumph Speed Triple whilst laying to waste plenty of bad guys in a gunfight. Lots of stunts, fast action and big explosions from this now-classic round twin head headlight Triple.

Later Mission: Impossible films see Tom switching to the BMW marque with the likes of an S1000RR and RnineT Pure. Tom claims to do as much of the riding and stunts himself, well the non-messy bits before CG takes over at least.

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Tron Legacy (2010)

Aside from all the CG light bikes when in the ‘grid’, Tron Legacy features a super slick Ducati Sport 1000 Biposto cafe racer. With a 992cc L-twin engine, it was only produced from 2007-2010 and sadly too premature for the retro bike revival. Ridden by Garrett Hedlund, as Sam Flynn, son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), It continues several years from where the original 80’s Tron film left off, accompanied by a stonking Daft Punk soundtrack, it’s actually pretty enjoyable for a Disney flick.

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Kill Bill Part 1 (2003)

In this first part of Quentin Tarantino’s epic kung fu double bill, Uma Thurman rides a yellow Kawasaki ZZR250 as Beatrix Kiddo, whilst her Crazy 88 gang foes ride on Yamaha FZS400’s. Motorcycle action only lasts for a short scene, but still makes for a cool stylized dash across the Tokyo streets with handy katana swords mounted on all bikes.

The small engine FZS and ZZR’s are obviously Japanese only models targeting local emission/license restrictions and are rarely seen over here in the UK, where the 600cc variants of both were popular.

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James Bond –

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) & No Time To Die (2020)

Many of the Bond series have featured cool motorcycles, more often ridden by bad guys giving chase (because motorcyclists are just bad and menacing!) The later films had some pretty heavy product placement. With the BMW brand heavily featured in Tomorrow Never Dies, Pierce Brosnan rides an R1200 C cruiser through a mad chase scene in Saigon. Stunt riders really pushed the bike to the limit including a 44′ rooftop leap, not bad for a 250Kg beast. Out of 15 bikes bought for the film, 12 were trashed, but you can find one of the surviving at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, UK.

In No Time To Die, we see Daniel Craig riding a Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE, and of course, a limited edition run of tie bikes went on sale to coincide with the movie. Well, they would have done if the movie hadn’t been delayed due to Covid19. The film also sees Bond on a Tiger 800, and baddies on Ducati Scambler 800’s.

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My Own Private Idaho (1991)

This less well-known film features Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix as drug-addicted hustlers living on the streets of Portland, who undertake a journey of self-discovery. Keanu rides a 1974 Norton Commando 750 20M3S, which was actually his own personal Norton. Prior to filming, Keanu rode his Norton 1300 miles from Toronto to Florida to personally persuade River to play in the film.

Keanu Reeves continues his affection for motorcycles today, as a key partner in Arch Motorcycles which build ‘totally excellent’ high-end customs.

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Matrix Reloaded

A classic motorcycle chase scene from the Wachowski’s Matrix trilogy, sees Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) doing some rather advanced lane splitting on a 2001 Ducati 996 on a specifically built Freeway set. The whole scene is alleged to cost $2.5m to film, with nine Ducati’s used in the filming, one of which now lives in Keanu Reeves’ personal collection.

Ducati subsequently released a number of limited edition Matrix Ducati 998 in 2004. Yes, 998, not quite the same as the 996 in the film, but close enough I guess.

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John Wick 3 – Parabellum (2019)

Continuing the Keanu Reeves theme, the third John Wick movie has a mental motorcycle fight scene, where Keanu fends off a whole bunch of sword-wielding bad guys. Everyone is riding Yamaha MT-09’s, but suspend your belief as the scene is a clever inter-splicing of on-road footage and more static on set green screen footage where each actor’s MT09 is on a trolley shoved around by lots of guys in green suits! CG magic makes the whole thing seamless, check out this behind-the-scenes making of the vid.

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The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

This Brazilian film tells the coming-of-age story of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara (played by Gael García Bernal) and his friend Alberto Granado (Rodrigo de la Serna) as they travel from Argentina to Puru in the 1950s. They set off on a battered single-cylinder 1939 Norton 500, which fails them halfway through. The journey is an eye-opener to Che of the oppression, hardship and poverty that so many suffer on the South American continent, ultimately driving his later revolutionary stance to address the injustices.

Based on Che Guevara’s own travelogue from the journey, the film is beautifully shot and in stark opposition to the stereotypical motorcycle gang and outlaw image shown in other films for this time period. A must-see film.

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The Wild One (1953)

This 1953 film featuring Marlon Brando in his prime, tells the story of post-war US motorcycle gangs terrorising a small town. The macho gang lead Johnny Strabler (Brando) riding a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T, became an icon for teenage rebellion and the film is considered the first to cover outlaw motorcycle culture. Highly controversial at the time and banned by the BFI until 1967, but all rather tame behaviour compared to today’s standards.

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The Harry Potter Saga (2001 – 2011)

In Philosopher’s Stone Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) take Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) for a ride in a 1959 Triumph 650 T120 Bonneville sidecar outfit. However, in later films, this was switched for a newer 2009 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, with a sidecar outfit built by Watsonian.

You can check out the Royal Enfield at Harry Potter World and enjoy Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride at Universal Orlando.

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The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)

This Anglo-French ’60s cult classic sees Rebecca (Marianne Faithfull) walk out on her husband, don a leather one-piece and set off on a 1967 Harley Davidson Electra Glide to chase down her lover in Heidelberg. Provocatively saucy, it is filled with psychedelic dream sequences and erotic fantasies, it was the first film to receive an X-Rating in the US. Somewhat style over substance, it certainly has a cult following.

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

In the 2011 English language version of this film by David Fincher (not to be confused with the Swedish language 2009 film adaptation), we see Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) create a custom cafe racer from an old Honda CL350. The bike was actually built by GLORY Motor Works for the film, with the basic and gritty-looking custom suiting Lisbeth’s character in the film, true to Steig Larsson’s original novels. That, or just bang on trend as the hipster custom cafe racer culture exploded around the same time. Either way, it’s a damned moody-looking little bike that looks like it’d be a blast to redline.

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Akira (1988)

We can all dream about Katsuhiro Otomo creation in the Japanese anime Akira. Shotaro Kaneda’s bike may not be real, but who can not love the scene of biker gangs chasing through the streets of Tokyo leaving a trail of destruction. The gorgeous animation, the streaks of tail lights and oodles of cinematic style. Did you know the engine sounds were made from splicing recordings of a MiG-21 fighter jet and a 1927 Harley-Davidson?

Some say the bike inspired the 2015 Honda NM4, though possibly a bit tenuous. However, in 2012 Masahi Teshima built his own replica, costing him $120k and seven years of work and looking pretty special.

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Do you know of any other famous motorcycles in films? Can you recommend other movie motorbikes where a great bike is one of the cast? Do let me know in the comments below.

With so much power, this bike definitely brings on the big grins. Each twist of the right hand unleashed tonnes of torque, and a roar from the exhausts. It was very comfortable for both myself and pillion, and with the hard lockable luggage could definitely be a winner on some longer tours. Evie appreciated the sissy bar backrest, especially when I opened the thing up and the torque shoved us right back. I did however find the high ape hanger bars a bit fatiguing when man handling it through the bend, so I would probably opt for a lower more practical option.

Other niggles was the kick stand was bit awkward to kick out from under foot board. Neutral was impossible to find without killing the engine – though this bike had a lot of play at clutch lever, so maybe just needed adjustment. As with many big Hogs, you’ve got to be mindful of lean angle, it was very easy to scrape the boards on a bend.