My Bike and I

George Karellas: Studio manager, Carr Communications.

George Karellas: Studio manager, Carr Communications.

What was your first machine? I still have it - a prehistoric Kawasaki KE100, with a playboy bunny sticker that the previous owner, a farmer, had stuck on the fuel tank, playboy bunnies, tweed trousers and turned down wellies.

What attracted you to motorbikes? I come from a seaside village and my friends and I had already tinkered with stock cars in fields. Boats were a little out of reach, so bikes were just the next step - and they could go up sand dunes.

How much did it cost? £30.

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What's your current machine and what did it cost? A BMW R1200C Satine. I paid £8,750 for a 1998 model with ABS, engine crash bars, police-style handle bars and only 4,800 miles on the clock. My licence and insurance required I had it restricted - an extra £350.

What did insurance cost? A whopping £2,900 fully comprehensive. Rest assured, I'll have my licence next time around.

What do you use the bike for? It's my everyday transport, my ticket through traffic.

How much do you spend on gear? Only recently I started to buy real gear - got a deal from Maxwells BMW in Blackrock on a pair of trousers from last year's range for €220. I'm awaiting a fitted BMW jacket (€530), matching driver and pillion lids (€400), and a free pair of sparco pro-karting gloves that were used for a PR shoot.

Your next bike? No plans as yet, but a Moto Guzzi V11 Sport tickles my fancy. I love the cafe racer style. And most Ducatis make me drool. Then there's MV Augustas . . .

What's been your longest journey on the bike? Just last bank holiday weekend, I took her to the Galway races, then on to Ballycastle, Co Mayo, and back home to Dublin - not so long, but watch out mainland Europe!