Motorcycling's million-dollar men have been revealed by ACC, and they're not the young bikies you might expect.

The top five most expensive crash claims all involve middle-aged male riders, racking up a combined bill of around $5.6 million.

Fifty-three motorcyclists died on our roads last year -- the highest number since 1998.

But for those bikers who survive a serious crash, the older you are, the more expensive you become.

"The largest volume of claims we get are, in fact, [from] your 15- to 24-year-olds," according to ACC's Senior Injury Prevention Programme manager (motorcycles), Carey Griffiths.

"But the most costly claims are for the older riders because they're on the open road, they're going faster, they earn more so their compensation claims are higher."

Figures released exclusively to Newshub reveal hospital treatment costs for the top five most expensive claimants cost an average of $18,000, but that's just the start. More than $863,000 is spent on ongoing rehabilitation, housing and vehicle modifications, nursing and household help for each of them.

Throw in other lump sums and regular compensation payments and the average total cost is more than $1.2 million.

The Ulysses Club caters for riders older than 40. Its national president, Mike Dew, doesn't believe older bikers are lax about safety.

"Like all groups, there's always a risk-taker...and it's very difficult to rein them in. We're all individuals and you have to take your own responsibilities for your actions," Mr Dew said.

ACC has a special safety campaign targeting middle-aged bikers called Ride Forever.

"The message I really want to get across is to wear all of the gear, all of the time," Mr Griffiths said.

"In warmer weather, sometimes people ride without gloves or without decent jackets, ride in t-shirts. You never know when your next crash will be. You always want to be well-prepared."

Because if it does happen, there's always a chance you could end up paying the ultimate price.

Newshub.