Jim Plunkett, telecoms consultant
What was your first machine and how much did it cost? My first machine was a used Honda 50. It cost me £10 in 1966 and was a good bike to learn the basics of motorcycling. Then, in 1967, I bought a Yamaha 100 twin. This was a great improvement on the Honda 50 in terms of handling, acceleration and speed. In 1970 I decided to buy a car and retired from motorcycling temporarily.
What attracted you to motorbikes? It's the cheapest mode of mechanical transport. Also it was the freedom and independence to travel anywhere at any time - also to be out in the open air especially in the summer with the wind blowing around you as you ride through the country.
Any family resistance to your new mode of transport? Yes, lots from my parents when I was considering buying my first bike. They wanted me to wait a couple of years and buy a car instead. But in the end they conceded reluctantly. My daughter wasn't impressed when I bought my current machine - she said it was too dangerous.
Your current machine? A Honda Pan European ST 1100.
What attracted you to it? Well, when I took a sabbatical from bikes in the 1970s I had this long-term dream to buy a touring bike sometime in the future. I liked the Pan because it was big and powerful, smooth and reliable.
What do you use your bike for? Weekend pleasure trips at the weekend to explore local villages in my own county - parts of which I've never been in . . . also to visit neighbouring counties. I live close to a railway station so I take the train to work, but if the weather was better I'd consider using the bike for work.
What is your next bike likely to be? I expect to keep this bike for some time yet. Of course, if I win the Lotto, I'll upgrade to a Pan European STX 1300.
Your longest journey on the bike? Because of work commitments I haven't done any real long journeys. But I hope this summer that I can travel to Donegal, Wexford and Cork.
What would be your dream bike - and road trip? I have my dream bike at the moment. If I had the time I'd like to take off to France and down to Spain on the east coast and visit places like the beautiful Orba and Jalon valleys. I've been around this part of Spain by car and I'd now love to take the bike and see a bit more of this beautiful mountain scenery. I'm looking for a fellow biker to do this trip with me - my wife says only interested males need apply.
What do you think of other road users? Overall I think lorry drivers are the best behaved on the road. Car drivers are getting more erattic and crazy in their driving - I suppose it's the never-ending traffic jams. I think cyclists are taking their life in their hands cycling through traffic today.
If you were Minister for Transport, what new measures would you implement to promote biking?
1. Eliminate VAT on helmets and other protective clothing.
2. Allow motorcyclists to use bus lanes.
3. Motorcyclists should have their own lane at toll plazas with no charge.