Swinton's guide to motorbike modifications

Motorcycling is your passion, as it is ours. We understand you may want to customise your motorcycle to make it more individual to you. After all, it’s your bike, and as we all know it is so much more than just a form of transport, it is an extension of you.

Many bikers modify bikes, but you may not know if you should tell us about your modification.

In short, a modification is:

‘Any changes that have been made to a bike outside the manufacturer’s standard specification’

Bike modifications are something your insurer needs to be made aware of so that they can make sure your bike is suitably covered. Our panel of insurers understand that modifying bikes is common practice and important to the rider.

To simplify insuring your bike, we have listed 30 ‘non-disclosable’ mods that are acceptable to all our insurers. You don’t need to tell us about them when you’re getting a quote.

Bike modifications you don’t need to disclose

• Air Filter Changes
  
• Bar Ends
  
• Belly Pan
  
• Braided Hoses
  
• Chain Guards
  
• Crash Bars
  
• Crash Bungs
  
• Debadged
  
• Decals/Stickers (not Race Replica)
  
• Disability Adaptions
  
• Electronic Ignition
  
• End Can (provided road legal, not performance enhancing and costs no more than the manufacturer’s original).  This doesn't cover After-Market Exhaust Systems and must not have any further performance-enhanced modifications
  
• Engine Casing Guards
  
• Foot Rests
  
• Grab Rails
  
• Grippers
  
• Heated Grips
  
• Huggers
  
• Luggage System/panniers
  
• Radiator Bars
  
• Rearsets
  
• Road Legal Lights/Indicators/Mirrors
  
• Scott Oiler
  
• Screen Changes
  
• Seat Cowl/Single Seat Units
  
• Seat Replacement
  
• Sissy Bars (Long Back Rest)
  
• Steering Damper
  
• Tail Tidy
  
• Tank Pads

If your motorbike's modification isn't on the list, contact us. We have lists from each of our insurers that we look at case by case, so we may be able to offer you a quote. Modifications will often fall into two different ‘categories’:

• Cosmetic
• Performance

Cosmetic

Cosmetic modifications are changes that alter the way your bike looks. Most provide a relatively low-cost way to customise your bike. Some examples of popular cosmetic modifications include:

• Rear hugger – Fitted above the bike’s rear wheel, and protects the engine from road debris flung up by the rear tyre
• Belly pan – Fitted underneath the engine to protect the engine and the exhaust down tubes from debris that flicks up from the front tyre
• Screen changes – A different screen can help reduce buffeting to the rider, which can help reduce wind noise. Some screens also offer better protection to help make it easier to ride in poor weather

Performance

Performance-enhancing modifications are changes made to your bike which help it go faster, stop quicker or handle better. Changes made to the engine, brakes or suspension are all considered performance-enhancing modifications.

Want noise, faster acceleration, better braking, or improved handling? Performance-enhancing bike modifications will get you the performance you want. Some examples of popular performance modifications include:

• Exhaust system changes – More noise, power or just to save weight, modifying your exhaust can help achieve all these things. Just make sure it's road legal!
• Braided Brake Lines – Replacing manufacturer-fitted brake lines with more effective, longer-lasting braided lines for consistent, effective braking
• Rear shock absorbers – Changing your ride's rear suspension may improve ride quality, offer adjustability, and increase grip on bends

Important things to remember regarding modifications

M – Make us aware

O – Other unlisted modifications can be considered

D – Disclose everything - if unsure, just ask us so we can check you can be covered

S – Stay legal – some modifications are ‘not suitable for road use’ or are marked as ‘track use only’