Designer and desktop publisher Niall Fennessy on what motorcycling means to him
What was your first machine?
Honda Shadow 500 cc. Next was a '92 CB 750, then a '89 1,500 Gold Wing.
What attracted you to it, and indeed motorbikes?
I don't really know how or why I got into bikes! All I know is that for as long as I can remember I've loved them. I think it's something lots of people want to be able to do, but I think they hear a lot of negativity about bikes and them being dangerous so it's something they put on the long finger. One thing I've always said about bikes is that It's not the bike that's dangerous, it's how you ride it!
How much did it cost?
Can't really remember! I think it was £1,600 for the Shadow.
What is your current machine and what did it cost?
I'm riding a '94 Honda Pan European and I paid £6,800 a little over a year ago. Rather above the odds I know, but there was very little mileage on it and spotless, so it was money well spent. I'm 6'4' so I needed something big and manoeuvreable in traffic for the city and also something that could handle long runs comfortably. The Pan is your only man.
What did the insurance cost?
TPFT is €650.
What do you use your bike for?
Everything! From going to work to long country spins on the weekends. An overnight trip to west of Dingle in Kerry (450 miles round trip) is nothing on the Pan.
How much do you spend on gear?
You can never spend too much on proper motorcycling gear! ARAI lid £375. Summer leathers £850, waterproof winter jacket £300, waterproof winter trousers £200, Daytona boots £300, waterproof gloves £100, Dainese back protector (which for anyone on two wheels, is a must) £100.
What is your next bike likely to be?
Probably a Raleigh Chopper because I've just bought a house. But if I had the money it would be the new Pan 1,300 ST.
What's been your longest journey on the bike?
May this year. Seven of us, all on Pans, from Dublin, Roslare, France. Through Bordeaux, over the Pyrenees into Spain down to Zargossa, over to Andorra then back to Dublin. 2,432 miles in 8 days.