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.