James A Kennedy, motorcycle mechanic and shop owner
What was your first machine?
My first bike officially at 16 years of age in 1972 was a Suzuki AS50 Sport. I had some other bikes before that but they were for restoring and then sold on. I started working on bikes at a young age and at 13/14 years old was respraying, cleaning and fixing Honda 50, etc, with help from my dad. I would buy a wreck of a bike and totally strip it, respray it, rebuild it and dad would check it out and sell it. Most times I got my money back with a small profit. It took a lot of time but in those days my time was free.
How much did it cost?
My first bike AS50 Sport Suzuki cost £115 in 1972.
What attracted you to it, and indeed motorbikes?
My dad's motorcycle business: I was born to be a mechanic and motorcycle rider. It's the only way to get around.
What is your current machine?
My current bike - well, I have a few now. The bike I use the most is my Honda ST1100 ABS Pan European. I use it every day for work and pleasure. It's a great bike all round. My wife comes pillion and also my kids and sometimes even the customers if they need a lift home. I also have a GSXR1100 (1990) and new GSX1300R for short trips.
What do you use your bike for?
Everything! Going in and out of work. Going on business down to Cork, over to Galway, to Dublin, wherever. The ST1100 is ideal. You can have your change of clothes in the boxes if you have a business meeting if needed. I go on rallies and different runs at weekends.
What is your next bike likely to be?
I don't know. I have a wide choice when in this business. All you need is lots of money or a friendly bank manager. I kind of like Honda ST1300 as an all round bike but it will have to prove itself over the old ST1100 I have already. I have a new GSX1300R for next year. I had one already. It's great. Very fast in a nice way. I also like some of the older bikes. I have a Honda NSR400R, Yamaha RD200, Honda P50 scooter to restore, a Berini 50 (1955) scooter to restore, a XS650 Yamaha to rebuild and a few others.