NEWS FROM BENNETTS

Bikers in the Buff!

Bennetts uncovers the ‘naked’ truth on the roads

Over two thirds (41 per cent) of British bikers have ridden ‘commando’ according to research revealed today by Bennetts, the UK’s number one for bike insurance*. Having surveyed the nation’s bikers finding out what (or not!) the motorcyclists wear under their leathers, Bennetts can reveal the ‘naked’ truth of what really lies beneath the average biker.

In addition to the staggering 41 per cent of motorcyclists found to wear nothing between them and their leathers, the results prove ‘less is best’ as half of bikers (50 per cent) questioned have ridden around with only underwear under their biking gear. Whether sporting a pair of poker dot pants or old-fashioned y-fronts, the research from Bennetts reflects the lengths British bikers go to in order to experience the ultimate high whilst out on the roads!

Being too lazy to get dressed, one in 20 (five per cent) of bikers actually admit to having ridden around in their pyjamas. However, the ‘knight riders’ actually seem relatively normal in comparison to the four per cent of two-wheeled travellers who have chosen to wear fancy dress beneath their riding gear!

Hannah Squirrell, Director of Marketing for Bennetts said, “It’s entertaining to see that so many bikers choose to ride with minimal (or even no) clothing whilst out on the roads! With our ‘bbq’ summer coming to a close, perhaps riders looking to stay cool will start layering up. Leathers are obviously a must have for bikers trying to keep safe but hopefully scooter riders won’t start following suit and going commando too!”

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Frank PR on 020 7693 6999 or email bennetts@frankpr.it

* Based on brand tracking research in April 2009


Notes to editors

Bennetts is a trading name of BISL Limited, Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6YS. Registered in England No. 3231094.


BISL Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.


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THE BACKGROUND TO BENNETTS

· Bennetts was established in Coventry by the Bennetts family in 1930 to provide insurance services to people throughout the West Midlands.



· In the early 1980’s Bennetts decided to devise a number of specialist insurance schemes that would meet the needs of different types of biker. These schemes are constantly reviewed to give bikers the exact cover they need.



· In 2000 Bennetts was the first motorcycle insurance specialist to offer the ability to buy insurance online, through its website, www.bennetts.co.uk.



· In October 2001, the Bennetts brand was acquired by the BGL Group (formerly the Budget Group of Companies), through its purchase of the Dial Direct Group, a major UK car insurance intermediary.



· The BGL Group was established in 1992, and has grown to be the UK’s third largest personal lines insurance intermediary, through a combination of organic growth and a series of major strategic acquisitions.



· The BGL Group now arranges and administers insurance for around 2.3 million customers with more than £600million GWP. It has contact centre operations in Peterborough, Coventry, Sunderland, Peterlee and Cape Town, South Africa. It currently employs over 2000 people and its head office is in Peterborough.



· In May 2003, Bennetts unveiled its new brand identity to the industry.



· Bennetts became personal sponsor of former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson in May 2003.



· In April 2009 independent brand tracking research identified Bennetts as the UK’s number one brand for motorcycle insurance.



· In January 2005, Bennetts signed the biggest sponsorship deal in the history of the brand by becoming title sponsor of the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship. Bennetts continued its sponsorship of the British Superbike Championship in 2006, 2007 and 2008.



· In June 2007, Bennetts became official series sponsor of the World Superbike Championship for the remainder of the 2007 championship and for the whole of the 2008 championship.



· Bennetts is personal sponsor of Moto GP contender and former World Superbike Champion James Toseland since July 2007.