Richard Keegan, Enterprise Ireland
Your first machine? A Honda 50.
What attracted you to it? Freedom - I was able to go where I wanted. She brought me to France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg - and back. Oh, and to College as well!
How much did it cost? £350
What's your current machine? A Honda Goldwing 1500 SE.
What did it cost? £16,500 - in 1998.
And insurance? £650, comprehensive.
What do you use the machine for? Business and pleasure, I cover about 15,000 miles a year on the bike. I travel to a client's premises and change into a business suit. Last summer my wife and I travelled to Sorrento, Florence and Rimini.
I also use the bike for endurance riding, covering 1,000 miles in 24 hours in Ireland, for charity. This year we will ride for the Chernobyl Children's Fund - details on www.rr1000mcc.com
How much did you spend on gear? I recently bought a two-piece riding suit for over €400 - my f irst new jacket in 15 years; helmet, every two years, €120; Nolan open face electrically heated inner jacket, € 125.
What is your next upgrade likely to be? I've fitted a custom leather saddle, heated hand grips, heated jacket, GPS, digital temperature readout, cruiser pegs, high intensity lights, map-reading lamp and holder, upgraded suspension. Next upgrade is to fit an auxillary fuel tank, for long distance runs.