Virgin has opened up its new motorcyle and scooter retail website to let riders have their say in shaping the service in the build up to its imminent launch.

Virgin Bikes managing director, Martin Elton, said, “The new web site is a genuine opportunity for riders to influence the Virgin service. Already we have had strong feedback from riders that after sales care is a major issue, that they want a clear pricing policy, and the rising cost of insurance is making people think twice about riding.”

“We are committed to get it right for our customers so our initial plans are modest. We believe that a major consumer champion brand like Virgin will appeal strongly to a large part of the motorcycle and scooter market and we expect rapid growth once we have proven the business model” Virgin Bikes will offer a 'hassle-free' ownership package to the 2-wheel market, as well as competitively priced range of bikes and scooters. Personal delivery and training will be features of the Virgin Bikes offer, as will finance packages and insurance options.

Virgin Bikes is a subsidiary company of Virgin Cars, the automotive arm of Virgin Group. Since launch it claims to have saved UK new car buyers over £10 million, and sold over 5000 cars totalling £115 million.