It appears that the stereotypical vision of a biker is no longer hell on wheels, but instead a father or mother.

This crowd pleaser has, as a result lowered the premium on bike insurance cover by 15% over the past five years.

Nigel Bartram, motor strategy manager from an insurance group noted the different types of bikers: “There has been some polarisation in riders, between those who are pure leisure riders and have gone for big touring bikes, and those who commute and are looking for an easy, economical trip to work. We don't insure much in the middle ground anymore.”

Simon Jackson, a commercial director stated that there is a more domestic view on the open road: “'The adventures of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in the TV series Long Way Down have brought motorbikes right into the living room and helped remind some older riders, who perhaps started in their youth, of the attractions of biking, he said.”

Bartram reminded those with bikes, that security was vital: “A thick chain and physical security are everything. An immobiliser is not much use if three blokes can pick up your bike, throw it in the back of a van and then work on it at their leisure, he ended.”