Karl Hofler, Software Engineer
Rides: Honda VFR400R NC30
Why this bike? I think Honda's stand up well to the pretty miserable conditions a bike has to endure most of the time in Ireland. I chose a 400 sports model because I had a very limited choice of what I could afford to insure. The NC30 looks good, has an unusual V four engine and handles very well. It also has a taste of the exotic about it because it's a 400cc tribute to the RC30 an iconic motorcycle that ruled road racing in its day.
Why did you become a biker? A friend of mine got an 80cc two-stroke race rep when we were about 16 years old. I had a go of it and was completely taken in by the unfamiliar feeling of moving without pedalling. A couple of years later I went on holiday and hired a scooter and I remembered how much I loved it. I bought a scooter as soon as I could when I returned. Insuring a car was not an option at the time because it was ridiculously expensive.
Did you take a rider training course? No. I wasn't even aware such a thing existed for bikes at the time. I have since only taken a couple of lessons before my test. I might do some advanced training, but biking is an expensive hobby and there always seems to be something more pressing to spend money on.
What does your insurance cost? My last renewal was €1,100 for third party only and that's with four years NCB and a full license. Bike Insurance here is a very unfunny joke. It will come down drastically for me this year as I have turned 27, but I feel sorry for the younger lads trying to get motoring. They are being tempted not to bother with insurance as the chances of being caught are slim, and the cost is usually more than the price of the bike - and it only lasts a year.
What car do you drive? I use my girlfriend's car occasionally, a Peugeot 306 TD.
Do you worry about your survival? Of course. I am concerned and I have a healthy level of fear. I don't think I'm invincible but I don't agree with the generally accepted idea that it's only a matter of time until you crash.
What do you use your motorcycle for? I used to use my bikes for everything including getting the shopping. Since I now have the use of a car for that kind of stuff, I use the bike to get places quickly like commuting into work, for fun, doing track days and going to race meets.
Do you follow motor sports? Very much so, I follow MotoGP very enthusiastically, and WSBK and BSB to a lesser extent. I also go to a few of the road races in Ireland and the North. The A1 car GP is worth a watch also because it's very exciting racing and an Irish team back in motor sport is nice to see.
Have you any suggestions on how to improve conditions for bikers in this country? Compulsory training for all drivers would make the biggest difference to road safety, but it's never going to happen here. The government is willing to accept a certain level of carnage and point the finger of blame at everyone and everything except for their own lack of meaningful action. The next great white hope for road safety is privately operated speed cameras, which will do nothing for safety and everything for generating revenue. Something quick, easy and effective that the government could do is open the bus lanes to motorbikes.
What are your tips for safety on two wheels? Assume every other driver cannot see you and is going to do something silly. It's no good arguing that you had the right of way on a bike; it's an argument you will lose. It's best not to get yourself into a situation where your life is in someone else's hands, however it's not always possible to remain in control, so wearing appropriate safety equipment is vital, just in case the worst does happen.