Liam Murphy Head of Henkel Loctite in Europe
What was your first machine? A second-hand Honda 50. It cost £55 in 1971. It developed an unreliable streak and often let me down on the way back from the weekly hop in Two Mile House. After several summer jobs I graduated to a Yamaha 125 AS3, a real street racer. I can still get that two-stroke smell.
What attracted you to motorbikes? Freedom of the open road and those classic Norton Commando adverts from the early 1970s.
Your current machine? A Harley Davidson Road King in vivid black . . . being slightly short at 5' 8", the lower riding position of the Road King suits. Harleys of yesteryear had a poor reputation for durability. After a Phoenix-like resurrection in the late 1980s, build and reliability have greatly improved. All this said, Harleys have an image problem among bikers, usually more impressed with "bum in the air" sports bikes. There's no doubt that many Harley owners come with a certain lifestyle attitude. To many, a Harley is as much an emotion as a lump of mere motorcycle. I think of it as classic engineering.
What attracted you to this bike? The Road King is the best looking Harley. With its slow tempo engines and lazy steering geometry, TT type cornering is not its strong point. Take your time, take in the countryside and listen to that unique "potato potato" symphony.
Have you always biked? I was without a bike for 25 years after I discovered the all-weather charms of a red Fiat 127.
What brought you back to it? That Norton Commando advert from 1973.
What do you use your bike for? Pure fun and de-stress. My job involves a lot of travel and can be quite intense. The bike is a great way to relax.
How much do you spend on gear? Weather and body protection takes priority . . . a Dainese X-Tech jacket €400, Dainese Dinex pants €200 (both with CE armour), boots €150 also from Dainese, helmet from Airoh €80.
What would be your dream bike and road trip? Going on a 1976 Norton Commando Mk3 Black through France crossing the Pyrenees near San Sebastian, lingering in the Rioja Alta region near Haro before crossing the Meseta to Andalucia.