Gari Duff, logistics manager
Your bikes? Suzuki GSXR 1000 K5 & BMW F650GS
Why these machines? I got the BMW because I like the way it looks and for its reliability. It is also really easy to drive and is great for winter riding and so comfortable. I got the Suzuki for fun, but it's such a great bike the BMW hardly gets out now. The best thing about it is the performance and handling, and of course the looks.
Why did you become a biker? Because I think you have a lot more freedom and fun on a bike and of course you beat the traffic.
Did you take any rider training? Initially I taught myself, but after a couple of months I took a day course with fastrack rider training and during the last five years I have done training with MSA, Easyrider training, RoSPA training, and I have just done a Mondello track training day with bike2bike which was excellent, to say the least. I'll be taking my RoSPA test soon.
What do you use your bikes for? To commute to and from work, from Westmeath to Dublin, which is 100 miles a day. I also use them for fun with friends at the weekend.
What does your insurance cost for both bikes? €870 fully comprehensive.
Do you drive a car? Yeah, if I have to.
Are any of your family bikers? My wife has just started to ride a bike, and she got herself a Suzuki RG125 to learn on.
Do you worry about your survival as a biker? It's always at the back of my mind. I ride the way I was taught, and 100,000 miles so far it has worked.
Have you ever had an accident? Yes, once a learner driver hit me from behind while I was stopped at a roundabout. She stopped behind me and then she decided to keep going for some crazy reason. She hit me, but I didn't sustain any injuries, and there was no damage done to the bike. The poor girl was in bits with shock - hopefully she learned not to be so close to the driver in front as a result.
Any other bad experiences with motorists or bikers? No, except I've noticed that motorists do not use indicators. Do they think it's great fun for you to guess which way they are going to turn?
Do you follow motorcycle sports? Yes, Moto GP.
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels? No, but I am looking into it when my wife has a few more biking miles under her belt.
Have you any ideas on how to improve conditions for bikers in this country? I'd suggest bikers meet up with MAG Ireland or other biking groups and between us lobby to make Ireland a biker-friendly country and sort out the conditions for all road users.
What are your safety tips? Wear proper gear, make sure you have good tyres, and ride as if everybody is out to get you. I also strongly recommend proper training - it really helps.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? I have my dream machines, so I'd get a new Suzuki GSXR600 for my wife, but not the same colour as mine!