While motorcycle insurance is usually cheaper than car insurance, at least in most parts of the country, it is still a large expense that must be incorporated into your budget. By taking the time to find deals on motorcycle insurance, you can make the overall operation of your motorcycle much more affordable. Luckily, there are ways to save on motorcycle insurance just like with car insurance:

Choose the Right Motorcycle

Some motorcycles are much more expensive to insure than others. A brand new, sporty motorcycle that easily gets up to illegal speeds may be fun to ride but these bikes are seen as riskier by insurance companies and will definitely inflate your rates. Slower, older, cruising motorcycles with great safety ratings are a much better option when it comes to getting deals on your motorcycle insurance. 

Take a Safe Rider Course

Just like with car insurance discounts for defensive driving classes, many motorcycle insurance carriers offer discounts on your premium if you complete a safe rider program. These programs are a good idea anyway since they keep you safer on the road and help you learn how to defensively maneuver in tricky or dangerous situations.

Just be sure to double check with your motorcycle insurance company before you pay for a safe rider class since they most likely only offer discounts for specific classes. Ask which classes qualify, what documentation you will need to submit when you finish the class, and when your discount will be applied. 

Ask About a Low Mileage Discount

If you commute to work every day on your motorcycle, this won't apply to you, but many motorcycle riders can benefit from low mileage discounts offered to customers who don't put a ton of miles on their bikes. If you tend to only ride your motorcycle seasonally, ride only on the weekends, or occasionally go on longer motorcycle trips but keep it locked up in storage the rest of the time, you may qualify.

In most cases, you will not be offered this discount automatically, so it's a good idea to ask your motorcycle insurance carrier about it. If they do offer a low mileage discount, find out what (if any) proof of your low mileage you need to submit, and what their mileage cut-off is to consider you a low mileage customer.  

Taking the time to try these money-saving tips can really cut down on your motorcycle insurance expenses.