Tony Bannon, managing director of Capital Motorcycles
Your bike: Honda CBR 600 FS
What attracted you to this bike? The Honda 600 is perfectly suited to the Mondello race circuit. It has ample power and flexibility but it's not particularly expensive to run.
Why were you drawn to two rather than four wheels? At the age of 15 I first began tinkering with bikes - originally with my brother's Honda 50. When I turned 16, I hopped on the bus into town and got my first set of insurance for about £35! Cars are fine, but bikes are cool.
What do you use your bike for? Mostly for doing track racing in Mondello, which happens about eight to 10 times a year.
Did you take any rider training? No, when I learnt to ride 33 years ago such training courses did not exist. I was of the old school and was taught on the road or rather I self taught myself on the road.
What does your insurance cost? I pay €15,000 a year and that covers the trade insurance for my business in Sundrive Road.
Was there any family resistance or objections to your riding a bike? None to speak of. Liz, my partner in life as well as business, also rides a bike so we are well suited.
Have you ever had an accident on the bike? Countless. In fact only six weeks ago a car pulled in front of me and knocked me off my bike. The bike suffered superficial injuries, but I unfortunately sustained some cracked ribs and damage to my knee. I am back on the bikes again though.
Do you follow any motor sport? Just the racing in Mondello.
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels? Yes, back in 2003 Liz and I farmed out the children and took two weeks off to tour down to Germany. It was a fabulous holiday, and we can't wait to do it again.
What do you think is the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? I'm not sure, but it definitely exists. It is almost like an automatic reaction. If I pass another motorcyclist on the road, I'll always nod. And if two bikes are stopped at a light and one of the bikes is pretty special, then the other person will almost certainly pay the bike a compliment!
What, if any, has been your worst experience with motorists? Eh, about six weeks ago when I bumped into one and I came off worse!
Have you any suggestions for improving conditions for bikers in Ireland? Remove the monopoly on insurance and bring in cheaper rates.
Any tips for survival on two wheels? Check your tyre pressure and wear and test your brakes on a regular basis. In fact, you should really check out the tyre pressure before every spin, because it can easily deflate.
What's your dream machine? A Honda Ruane. This is the bike that George Clooney bought. The rumour goes that he liked it so much, he bought five more for his friends!
- PATRICIA WESTON