You've Been Saga'd
Golden Oldies - are motorcyclists an ageing breed?
John Newman
Wherever you look observation of the motorcycle scene confirms the age imbalance of those who participate in road riding, turn up at shows, attend club meetings, ride outs, and rallies, and sign up for the increasingly popular organised travel tours.
There are not many young uns around, apart from those who thrill, entertain and demonstrate their skill through their participation in road racing, trials, enduro, moto cross, speedway etc.
Now big business has stepped in to confirm this situation and to take advantage of a slice of the consumer spending that goes along with it. Saga, those people who specialise in products and services for over 50's, and come up with those stylised ads for the cruises you don't want to go on, have taken over Bennetts Insurance, one of the leading bike insurance brands.
According to Saga the Bennetts customer base of 200,000 riders is made up of 77% over the age of 40, and 43% who have ridden past 50 years of age.
They must believe that these 'oldies' are in good shape and will deliver a profitable return for the £26.3 million cash price they paid for the business. I suppose that's hopeful for any of us eligible for Saga!
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