DAVID MARSHALL of David Marshall Hair Studio
What was your first machine? A Honda 50 back in the 1960s. It was lightweight and great fun. More than enough to get me interested - at a good price, £94.50.
What attracted you to motorbikes? I guess it was just the freedom it gives you. There is nothing better than riding down the road with the wind blowing around you. It also serves my transportation needs.
Your current bike? A Yamaha Drag Star Classic 1100. It cost €12,500.
What do you use your bike for? I live in Donnybrook and work in Dawson Street so it's mainly for commuting. It's great - not alone do I get to work quickly, but I have no problems with parking. It's the only way to get around the city. I have a car but only really use it at the weekends for carrying the kids.
How much do you spend on gear? My Lookwell Biker suit was €400, helmet was €500, gloves €100 and boots €250. It's vitally important to have the right gear. Quality may cost more initially but it always pays off in the long-run. I wouldn't get on a bike without proper protection.
Any accidents? No. I think the best way to avoid them is to go with the flow of traffic. Lane-hopping rarely gets you to your destination any quicker and only puts you in danger. At the heart of my biking is a healthy respect for all large sharp objects, such as buses and trucks - and hard surfaces such as the road.
What is your next bike likely to be? Any of the Japanese marques are as good if not better than the cult bikes, so I'd probably opt for one of them. With me it's about reliability. Every time I get on a bike I want it to start. I'm not a mechanic so I don't want to be tinkering with it. For reliability it's hard to beat Japanese. But I'll always opt for a cruiser-style bike. For the short city journeys I do, I prefer to sit upright.
Your longest bike journey? I've made numerous runs between Dublin and Omagh to visit my father. I use the bike in the summer and the car during the winter.
What would be your dream bike and road trip? I think I'd stick with my current bike and take off down to the south of France and Italy. In good weather you can't beat travelling by bike.
Any biking heritage in your family? No, but my daughter Laura (6) is mad about bikes and loves to be taken for a spin on the driveway. We only do 5 mph but she likes to travel on the bike.