RSS Feed

Related Articles

Related Categories

Aged Angels: One third of UK motorcyclists are over 46

17th June 2016 Print

Younger motorcyclists are facing competition on the roads as an older generation gets back on their bikes.

New research by comparethemarket.com finds that a third of UK motorcyclists are over 46 years old, with 46 to 55 year olds accounting for nearly a quarter (23%) of all motorcycle insurance enquiries.

Middle-aged motorcyclists quoted 5% more than their younger counterparts in March this year, and almost one in ten enquiries (9%) were from people aged between 56 and 65, the highest percentage in at least three years.

Motorcycling is becoming increasingly popular amongst older drivers who have more time to spend on the open road. On average, 46 to 55 year olds drive over 3,400 miles per year on their motorcycle, over a fifth (21%) of this age group spent £3,000 to £5,000 purchasing their bike, and a small proportion (7%) spent up to £10,000.

Contrary to the cliche, motorcycles do not seem to be a “midlife crisis” purchase, as 68% of over 45 year olds have held their license for over fifteen years and only 4% qualified under a year ago. The Honda Fireblade is the most popular model amongst older bikers followed by the Honda Super Blackbird. The top five motorcycle makes for the over 46’s are Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki and BMW, according to comparethemarket.com research.

The average UK biker is male, lives in Leeds and works in operations, construction or engineering. He rides a Honda motorbike costing between £1,000 and £2,000 which he uses for all means of transportation, including commuting to work.

Daniel Bass, Head of Motorcycle Insurance, at comparethemarket.comsaid: “As their salaries increase and their children leave home, bikers in their forties and fifties are finding that they have more time, and perhaps more disposable income, to invest in their passions or new experiences, such as riding a motorcycle. Motorbikes are an interesting alternative to a second car and can be significantly cheaper to run as they require less fuel.

“Another benefit of owning a motorcycle at a later stage in life is that your insurance is likely to be a lot cheaper, as older drivers tend to be more experienced on the road and are therefore lower risk. Certain providers offer cover exclusively to older drivers and it can also be worth choosing a specialist motorbike insurer as this could further reduce your premiums.”