Larry Doyle, director of Netforce Ltd
Rides: Honda 954RR Fireblade and BMW GS1200
Why the BMW and the Fireblade? I've always liked the look of the Fireblade and when I got a chance to ride it I had to have one. I went for the GS for comfort and because of the token pillion seat for my wife. Also, because of the appeal created by Ewan and Charley in The Long Way Round. I now keep the Fireblade for trackdays and touring in Europe.
What prompted you to become a biker? Traffic primarily, I wasn't a bike fan but I realised that I needed to do something about my 12-mile two-hour commute. Initially, I got my first bike to complement the car but ended up getting rid of the car completely.
Are you trained? I wasn't when I bought the bike. Ned from the Kiosk helped me pick out a suitable bike and the very best gear, he rode it home for me and then I wobbled around a car park until I was comfortable on the road. However, since then I've taken the full RoSPA training with Jeremy Tilley and a refresher course every two years, and I've done about 10 days track training with California Superbike School. I also try to attend the BMW run courses throughout the year at Joe Duffy's.
How much to insure your bikes? About €950 fully comprehensive.
Do you worry about surviving as a biker? Absolutely, that is why I consider the advanced rider training that Jeremy does to be so necessary. A high level of awareness is what keeps a biker alive. Motorists are not aware of anything other than the radio/cd/mp3 player /mobile/ text messages / nails/make-up /newspaper/maps - basically anything that will distract them from their boring commute to or from work.
Any accidents or spills? Yes - a couple, one was my own fault and happened in France. I wasn't concentrating and went into a ditch on a corner, but the guys I was with put my bike back together and we did another 3,000 miles on it. The rest of the accidents were the fault of motorists who claim they didn't see me on my giant BMW.
Do you watch motor sports? Yes, I enjoy the MotoGP. I've been to a few in Italy and Spain. I also follow the British Superbikes, World Superbikes and Irish Road Racing, anything on two wheels really. I'm a big fan of Troy Bayliss, Michael Rutter and of course, the Doctor, Valentino Rossi.
Have you any trips abroad planned? I've already taken a few trips to Europe, California and Nevada on a CBR600RR. Myself and a group of friends are planning a Route 66 trip this month on Harleys. We're also planning to go to the Mugello MotoGP in 2008.
Do you think bikers share a special bond? Bikers are always interested in each other's bikes and there is a huge amount of respect for each other, on and off the road. Bikers will always stop when they see a fellow rider at the side of the road and there's always a wave as you pass each other. Motorists don't have that community spirit which brings bikers together. I feel sometimes that they think they are all out to get each other!
Have you any other issues about bikers or motorists on the road? I think motorists don't realise that holding a driving licence is a privilege not a right, and they don't realise that the right hand lane of a motorway or dual carriageway is an overtaking lane and not a fast lane. You can always spot the Irish car drivers in France: they're the ones sitting in the overtaking lane with attitude. I love the French drivers, I think Irish motorists could learn something about road etiquette from them.
What are your survival tips? Training, training and more training. Make sure your bike is in top condition at all times. Ronan Pentony looks after my bikes, and they are always spot on.