John Sweeney, architect
What was your first machine and how much did it cost?
I had a few small 50 cc bikes as a kid. My first bike proper was a CG125 - I thought things couldn't get much better. I had it a week and crashed it.
What attracted you to motorbikes?
You just can't go that fast on a bicycle.
Your current machine?
An SP 1 Honda - I bought it last year for €10,000.
What attracted you to it?
I've been driving twin bikes for a few years now and this bike is as good as it gets.
What do you use your bike for?
I work mostly around town so, if I was to get to every site meeting by car, I'd be missing a day a week. Fine if you like listening to the radio but not that good for business. On a bike, there are no unexpected delays - but, if you're late, you can't blame the traffic.
What about gear?
A good helmet, gloves, jacket and boots for city driving and proper trousers for a more long-distance spin. If you're going any distance, leather is always the best protection. You can pull on your wet gear over this if it starts to spit.
Your next bike?
I'd like to try a V4. Something like a Honda RC 45. It's hard to fit your dog on one of these, so I may well go for an old Triumph with side-car.
What's been your longest journey on the bike?
I bought a new Ducati Monster last year in Milan and drove it home. I saved a few quid on the bike but even better was the drive home. It was absolutely brilliant. I left Milan at about 2 p.m. Tuesday. Over the Swiss Alps and up through Germany, the Netherlands, across England and home for 8 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Your dream bike and dream trip?
I hope some day to drive from New York down through the southern states to central America on a KTM 650, finishing up eventually somewhere in Colombia.
Ever had an accident?
I haven't fallen off a bike for a few years now. Maybe it's because bikes are bigger and falling off is no longer an option. I'd advise anyone getting into bikes not to be in too much of a hurry to be a Chris Walker, master of your machine. You can do some excellent road-craft courses which may well short-cut the learning curve. You have to build up your experience, so build it up within your own limits. Perhaps I'm a slow learner, but I'm just getting comfortable with my new bike after 2,000 miles - maybe that's because the roads have been dry for the first time since I got the bike.
The best-looking bike ever designed?
I'd have to say the Yamaha XT 500. My cousin had one years ago. I was only eight or nine at the time. I remember thinking, 'wow, now that's a motorbike'.
If you were to design a bike in the morning, what changes would you make to rudimentary functions?
Old bikes are beautiful to look at, but they are just that, old. That said, if you were to offer me a Vincent, I wouldn't refuse but . . . On newer bikes the acceleration, braking, suspension and tyre profiles have turned them into a whole different animal. I suppose it's horses for courses, but why ignore progress.
The ugliest bike on sale?
Has to be the new BMW R 1200 CL. I didn't think you were allowed to do that sort of thing any more.