Motorbike insurance groups are used by UK insurers to help assess the level of risk of a particular motorcycle. This risk rating is one of the key factors that determines how much you’ll pay for cover.
Unlike cars, there’s no single industry-wide system for grouping motorcycles. This means the same bike could be placed in slightly different groups depending on the insurer, which can make comparing quotes less straightforward.
How motorcycle insurance groups work
Because there’s no standardised system, groupings can vary between insurers. That said, most follow a broadly similar structure, as shown below:
| Insurance Group | Typical bikes |
| 1 – 3 | 50 – 125cc commuters |
| 4 – 7 | Small to mid A2 bikes (300 – 500cc) |
| 8 – 12 | Mid-size nakeds and sports-tourers (650 – 800cc) |
| 13 – 17 | Superbikes and high-performance nakeds |
However, insurance groups are only one part of how your premium is calculated, with insurers considering a range of other personal and usage factors, including:
- Rider age: Younger riders are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, which may lead to higher premiums.
- Licence type: A full licence with more riding history is typically seen as lower risk than a provisional or newly acquired licence.
- No claims bonus: A longer claims-free history can help reduce your premium.
- Location: Living in areas with higher theft or accident rates may increase costs.
- Usage: Commuting daily will usually be seen as higher risk than occasional leisure riding.
- Security and storage: Keeping your bike in a locked garage and using approved security devices can help lower risk.
This means a Group 12 bike could, in some cases, be cheaper to insure than a Group 7 bike, depending on the rider and their specific set of circumstances.
It’s also worth knowing that the same engine size doesn’t guarantee the same insurance group. Two 650cc bikes can sit in very different groups depending on:
- Power output: Higher horsepower increases performance, and potential risk.
- Rider position: Aggressive, sports-style ergonomics are often associated with higher-risk riding.
- Theft risk: Some models are targeted more frequently by thieves, which can push them into higher groups.
- Repair costs: Expensive parts or specialist repairs can increase the cost of claims.
Examples of motorcycle insurance groups
While groupings vary between insurers, the examples below give a general idea of where certain bikes tend to sit.
Low insurance rated motorbikes (groups 1–3)
The following motorcycles typically fall into lower insurance groups and are often cheaper to insure:
- Aprilia RS50
- Honda CBF125F & R
- Suzuki GSX-S125
- Royal Enfield Bullet 500
- Herald Classic 125
- Kawasaki Ninja 250SL
High insurance rated motorbikes (groups 15–17)
These bikes typically fall into higher insurance groups due to their performance, repair costs, and theft risk:
- Aprilia RSV4 RF
- BMW K1600 GT
- Ducati Panigale
- Yamaha R1
- KTM Superduke
Exact group placement will always vary by insurer, so these examples should be used as a general guide rather than a definitive list.
New riders and motorbike groups
A high-powered, sports-styled bike ridden by an inexperienced rider is typically considered high risk by insurers, which can lead to higher premiums or more restrictive policy terms.
For new riders, starting on a lower-powered bike can be a practical way to keep costs down while building experience. Over time, this helps demonstrate lower risk to insurers and may lead to lower premiums.
While it may be tempting to go for a more powerful bike straight away, gaining experience first tends to pay off both financially and in terms of safety.
Motorbike insurance group costs
There’s no fixed cost for insuring a bike in a particular group. Insurance pricing is personalised, and your premium is based on a combination of factors rather than the group alone.
Insurers assess your likelihood of making a claim (whether through an accident or theft) using a range of information.
Your bike’s specification and performance are just one part of that assessment. Other factors, such as your riding history, occupation, location, and security measures, can carry equal weight.
Motorcycle insurance groups vs car insurance groups
Motorcycle and car insurance group systems work differently:
- Motorcycles are typically grouped between 1–17 or 1–22, depending on the insurer
- Cars use a standardised system ranging from 1–50 across the industry
- Motorcycle groupings are less uniform and can vary more between insurers
This lack of standardisation can make comparing motorbike insurance quotes slightly more complex than car insurance.
What else affects motorcycle insurance costs?
Insurance groups are just one part of how insurers assess risk. Other key factors that may impact your premium include:
- Rider age and experience: Younger or less experienced riders are often considered higher risk
- Location and storage: Where you live and where your bike is kept overnight can affect your premium
- Security measures: Alarms, disc locks, and secure storage can reduce perceived risk
- No Claims Bonus: A strong claims-free history can lower costs
- Annual mileage and usage: More time on the road can increase exposure to risk
Explore cover with motorbike insurance from Devitt
While you can’t change your bike’s insurance group, there are steps you can take to improve your overall risk profile. Adding security measures, limiting mileage, and building riding experience can all help reduce premiums over time. Comparing quotes is also key, as different insurers may assess the same bike and rider differently.
If you’re looking for dedicated motorbike insurance, Devitt can help. Request a quote online or contact our UK-based team to find out more.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication.
You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Devitt accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.