Kevin McDermott, driver trainer
Your bike: Fazer 600
Why this machine? I was looking at bikes with my brother, who needed transport for shift work, and I had been considering a purchase myself when I spotted the Fazer 600. It was immaculate and the same engine size I had being thinking about. I left my brother to find his own bike and I sized up the Yamaha. So we ended up buying two bikes that day!
Why did you get back in the saddle? I hadn't had a bike for a number of years and always promised myself a decent bike. I initially wanted it for pleasure only, but as most motorists will agree, two wheels are the only way to traverse Dublin in the 21st century, unless you can afford a helicopter.
Did you take rider training? When I first started it was the 'school of very hard knocks, cuts and fractures' but when I returned to biking some years later I went to Aaron Rider Training and he gave me some excellent road craft skills. I recommend professional training to all riders experienced or novice.
What does it cost to insure your Fazer? €650 for third party fire and theft.
Had any accidents? Oh yes! In 1982 and 1985 both of which caused me injury and both of which I should have seen coming. Hindsight is the privilege of very few motorcyclists; I am lucky to be one of them. It is not enough to be looking; you need to know what you are looking for, and what to do with that information. Then be decisive.
Do you follow motorcycle sports? Yes, I don't get the time to go to many road race meetings, but I would like to see more TV coverage before midnight.
Do you think bikers share a special bond? Yes, in my opinion bikers are motorists, but with only two wheels and are more difficult to see. They are a lot more vulnerable to the hazards in the driving environment. Car drivers tend to look for objects their own size or larger as they represent a physical threat. Then there is the pure attraction of a well-presented and maintained machine, the styling and the technical information. A bike does not age in the same way as a car. Look at a 1997 Mondeo, bland, nearly as bad as a Sierra, then look at a 1997 Honda Fireblade, or a 1988 VFR 750. Class, pure class.
Any biking issues for the government? Compulsory basic training, mandatory registration of driving instructors and their trainers, and to deal with the issues rather than be distracted by the sale of Aer Lingus, the opening of the Port Tunnel or any other transport issues which allow the focus to move away from road safety. I am pleased to see that some of last year's speed limits have been revised down and up accordingly to reflect a realistic approach to driver/pedestrian safety.
Any tips for safe riding? Professional training, proper gear, and a responsible approach to the task at hand. Bike maintenance is also a must.
What's your dream machine? I'd love a Blade, but I'm too old to lean down. I've always fancied a Pan ST. It's not the sportiest machine but it would take a laptop and bits and bobs and the wife and daughter would be attracted to it.