Stuart Croasdell, motorcycle dealer representative
Your bike? Yamaha FZ6
Why this machine? The initial attraction for me was the look of the bike. I was in the market for a middleweight commuter and I was humming and hawing over a Bandit, Hornet, or Fazer. Then I came across the FZ6 and it just jumped out at me. The styling was reminiscent of the Benelli TNT, coupled with a derived R6 engine. I just knew that I had to have one. In August 2004 I went ahead and bought it and to date I can only compliment the bike.
Why did you become a biker? I started to ride bikes when I was a teenager and was immediately hooked on the adrenaline buzz that I got from riding. As I got older and started working and commuting, bikes just made more and more sense to me, and it has got to be said it's a great feeling filtering in a heavy traffic jam when you know those poor souls trapped in their cars go slowly insane and look on in envy as you glide by them.
What do you use your bike for? My bike is used primarily as a commuter at the weekends. Weather permitting, I'll go for a spin in the Wicklow mountains. This year I also intend to do some track days, something I've never done before.
Did you take rider training? No, I never took any rider training, in fact up until a few years ago it was something that I would never have even considered. I learned by trial and error.
What does your insurance cost? I have a third-party fire and theft policy that costs €685.
Do you drive a car? Yes, last month I got a Rover 25 for work. It has been five years since I have driven a car on a regular basis, and with temperatures below freezing in January the warmth and comfort of the car can't be beaten. However, the amount of time I spend stuck in traffic is just maddening and no one in a car has a quick chat with you when you are stopped at the lights, unlike the bike.
Were there any family objections to your riding a bike? Yes, my mother put up some resistance to me riding a bike. Other than that, I have had no resistance or objections.
Have you ever had an accident? Not on this bike. I have had a few spills on other bikes and one as a pillion. Thankfully I've never broken anything and in hindsight all of them could have been avoided.
Do you follow motorcycle sports? I'll watch road racing if it's on the box, and I've watched a few road races out in Skerries.
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels? No, I have never travelled outside Ireland, but it is something I would like to do someday, but I have no immediate plans to do so.
Any bad experiences with other motorists? My worst experience with motorists has to do with windscreen wash. To all those people who drive cars, please, please, please, check your rear-view mirror and wing mirrors before you use your windscreen wash and if you see someone on a bike wait until they pass before you use the wash. I've had more than my fair share of squirts in the eyes and the same goes for smokers - if your car has an ashtray use it! I don't enjoy dodging burning fag ends at 50 mph.
Any tips for survival? Ride defensively and ride within your limits.