Forget the stuffy tube, packed buses, and endless traffic jams—London is a whole different city when you’re exploring it on two wheels. There’s something undeniably exhilarating about weaving through the capital’s streets, feeling the breeze as you zoom past iconic landmarks with a smug grin, knowing you’re dodging all that gridlock. If you’ve ever considered swapping four wheels for two, here’s why exploring London by motorcycle might just be the best way to see the city.
1. Speeding Past the Traffic Jams (Legally, of Course!)
London traffic can turn a simple journey into an endurance test. But on a motorcycle, you’re not stuck watching your life pass by in bumper-to-bumper queues. Lane filtering (or splitting) is not only legal in the UK, but it’s a lifesaver in the capital. Motorcyclists can glide between lines of stationary cars like urban ninjas, turning what would have been an hour-long car journey into a breezy, ten-minute ride.
2. Parking is a Breeze
If you’ve ever tried to park a car in central London, you’ll know it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack—only the needle costs £6 an hour and you need to top up every 30 minutes. On a motorcycle, however, parking becomes a non-issue. Motorcycle bays are dotted all over the city, often free or at a fraction of the cost of car parking, and usually not as full as regular car parks – sure you’ll see a lot of Norton motorcycles at the weekends in the summer, but you can usually find a park pretty easily.
3. Seeing the Sights in Style
Riding around London on a motorcycle isn’t just practical, it’s downright stylish. Zooming past landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge, you get to enjoy the views in a way that just feels cooler than sitting in a car or peering out of a bus window. And the best part? You can take in all the iconic sights without having to rub elbows with tourists wielding oversized maps.
4. The Freedom to Roam
While public transport locks you into rigid routes and schedules, a motorcycle lets you explore at your own pace. Fancy a quick detour through Soho? No problem. Want to venture further afield and ride through Richmond Park? Easy. Whether you’re riding through the city centre or escaping to the leafy outskirts, a motorcycle gives you the freedom to explore London on your own terms. And if you’re using a ride-sharing service like “Lime” for electric scooters or motorcycles, it’s even more spontaneous—just hop on and go!
5. Dodging Congestion Charges
One of the sneaky perks of riding a motorcycle in London is that many bikes are exempt from the city’s dreaded congestion charge. That’s right—while car drivers are coughing up for the privilege of sitting in traffic, you’re zooming through the city centre without paying a penny. Just make sure your bike meets the emissions standards, and you’re golden.
6. All-Weather Warrior (Within Reason)
Sure, London’s weather can be a bit… unpredictable, but with the right gear, rain doesn’t have to stop play. A good set of waterproofs and heated grips (a game-changer in the winter) can make riding in less-than-ideal conditions a lot more manageable. Plus, there’s something strangely satisfying about being the lone rider who braves the rain while everyone else is huddled under umbrellas. Just watch out for those slick roads!
Exploring London by motorcycle is an experience like no other. So, why not give it a try?
