Austin Byrne is a 23-year-old medical student commencing his final year of study at Trinity College Dublin. He has been riding motorcycles for the past four years and works as an instructor for both Fingal County Council's "Star Rider" training programme and the IRTA (Irish Rider Training Association).
What was your first machine? A Honda NS1-80 race replica.
What attracted you to it? Sports-bike looks and the prospect of an extra hour in bed each morning. Somebody told me something about girls liking them too . . . Answers on a postcard? It was a fantastic little machine, cheap to run and great fun.
How much did it cost? £2,700 (€3,430).
What is your current machine? Suzuki GSF600S Bandit.
What did it cost? I imported it from Manchester, nine months old with 3,000 miles, for £4,800 (€6,095) including flight over, ferry home and VRT. I have since fitted an after-market exhaust, engine bars, alarm, and scottoiler.
What did the insurance cost? €1,250 third party only, with Carol Nash. They allowed for my ROSPA certification (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), and three years' no claims bonus. I was with Hibernian for three years but was quoted €2,300 for the same cover!
What do you use the machine for? Commuting to and from St James's and Tallaght hospitals. At weekends I use it for instructing, wind in hair, etc.
How much did you spend on gear? Helmet €250; jacket €320; trousers €190; boots €220; gloves €100; moulded silicone ear-plugs €100.
What is your next upgrade likely to be? A Honda CBR 600 would be nice, silver and black please. Maybe next year.