More than three-quarters of motorbike insurance customers across Northern Ireland and the wider UK admit dreading the thought of driving during the winter months.

In contrast, just over a fifth of bikers say they look forward to hitting the road in cold conditions as it helps them improve control over their vehicles.

Out of a thousand motorbike insurance customers polled in Northern Ireland and elsewhere, 31 per cent revealed icy roads to be their biggest winter concern, followed by salt on the road – because it can cause erosion – and the cold.

Anthony Aronin, head of pollsters Swinton Bikes, urged bikers to take extra caution while driving during the cold season.

"During the winter months the weather can be unpredictable, with potential dangerous driving conditions such as snow and ice," he acknowledged. "Bad weather coupled with long dark nights is the perfect recipe for road accidents."

Car insurance experts at Swinton have previously pointed out that November is one of the worst months for crime-induced claims, mainly owing to Daylight Saving Time's end promoting increased criminal activity after dark.

They advise avoiding leaving valuables on display, storing your vehicle in a garage – if possible – and fitting an immobiliser.

Motorbike insurance customers in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK would most like to take Transformers actress Megan Fox for a spin on their vehicle.

Research by motorbike insurance provider Swinton shows that ex-Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson is second preference for 1,000 motorbike owners probed on the subject.

Dark Angel starlet Jessica Alba was rated third by motorbike insurance customers in Northern Ireland and the wider UK, while Angelina Jolie – seen riding a motorbike as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider – closely followed her.

Anthony Aronin, head of motorbike insurance at Swinton, commented that male riders "are quite fickle" when it comes to their favourite celebrity women.

"Each year the list changes and this year it's Megan Fox that's on top," he observed. "Clearly bikers like their action women, as both Angelina and Jessica play athletic roles."

On the subject of women and wheels, the female of the species was recently proved to be savvier about motoring issues than she is often given credit for.

Research by female car insurance specialists last month showed almost half of women drivers enjoy chatting about cars with their friends, while two-thirds are fans of motoring show Top Gear.