Ken O'Connell, Associate trainer with Nifast talks about his first motorbike.
What was your first machine? A 1965 Honda C100 Cub, red and white.
What attracted you to it? It was a mode of transport for going to school and work . . . also it was a fairly reliable machine.
How much did it cost? £5 in 1973, but the person selling it wouldn't throw in the helmet for free.
Your current machine? I have a 1962 Heinkel Tourist 175 cc, a 1973 BMW R75/5 750 cc and 1984 BMW R65/5 650 cc.
What did they cost? In total the three didn't cost the price of a modern scooter. The Heinkel was £500 - it was a total wreck, it wouldn't roll and had been set on fire. I did a total restoration on it including a total rebuild.
What did the insurance cost? In 1973, the insurance for the Honda 50 was £13. In 2002, about €300 for the three vintage machines.
What do you use the machines for? Vintage rallies - and pleasure.
How much do you spend on gear? Helmet €150, jacket €100, trousers €100, boots €80, gloves €25.
What is the longest journey you have taken on a motorcycle? Attending vintage rallies can take up to 500 miles round trip including the rally. Last year I did Cork to Donard, Co Wicklow - and back - which included Saturday and Sunday ride-outs.
What's your next upgrade likely to be? Either a Heinkel bubble car or a 1950s Douglas Dragonfly.