Solicitor Peter McEvoy discusses the reasons why motorbikes are the real deal for him.
What was your first machine? The trusty Honda 50 when I left school in 1982 in order to get from my home in Waterford to the Regional College in Waterford City. It was followed shortly afterwards by a Yamaha Enduro 125cc, a much more comfortable bike. It had better road handling around the country roads of Co Waterford.
What attracted you to it, and indeed motorbikes? A friend and neighbour back then was always tinkering with his Honda CD 175 and, when it was on the road, we had some great fun. A favourite run was out to Woodstown Strand in Co Waterford.
How much did it cost? I can't remember.
What's your current machine and what did it cost? I now drive a Yamaha YP 250 Majesty (right), an automatic scooter. It's very comfortable and easy to manouvre in Dublin city traffic. It's much quicker to get to the office and home again and no parking problems.
What did the insurance cost? €379
What do you use your bike for? Mainly to and from the office and around the city to meetings and to the outlaying courts on business. The Majesty has great storage space for files and other papers - and for the helmut and gear when the bike is locked. It's nice to be able to leave the office confident that I won't be delayed by traffic getting to a meeting across the city. I find I'm impatient with people who are late for a meetings and then blame the traffic.
Of course, the bike is so much more economical than the car in town.
How much do you spend on gear? Can't remember the cost of the helmut. My jacket was €115 and trousers €149.
What is your next bike likely to be? I'll keep the Majesty 250 for some time yet, it's convenient in the city but I'd like the Honda Deauville 650 and then the Honda ST 1100 Pan European.
Your longest journey on the bike? Out to Lucan from Smithfield to close a sale and on to Rathfarnham, which was very convenient in rush hour traffic.
Have you ever had an accident on the bike? No, thank God and that's down to having spent time with a good Instructor.
Is there any biking heritage in your family? No.
Do you follow or take part in any motorbike sports? No.