Paul McMahon, haulier and parachute instructor, recalls his first motorbike, a Honda 90.
What was your first machine? My first machine was a Honda 90, back in 1982.
What attracted you to motorbikes? Bikes always appealed to me, though I'm not sure why. I liked the Honda because the centre tank made it look bigger and it had a clutch unlike the step-through model.
How much did it cost? £150 - a lot of money for me at the time but I just had to have it.
What's your current machine and what did it cost? I have a Ducati Monster 620 IE which cost me €8,000. I also have a 1983 Suzuki 650 Katana - I've had it for 14 years. I paid £750 for it at the time.
What did the insurance cost? Comprehensive for both bikes costs €650 a year with Carole Nash.
What do you use your bikes for? I was using the Katana for getting to work but the Ducati has revitalised my interest in biking and I use it to go absolutely everywhere now.
How much do you spend on gear? I don't spend a lot on gear. I have a leather bib and brace for long journeys and I've just bought a Centurion helmet for €170.
What's been your longest journey on the bike? My longest journey so far was to London on a 350LC in 1983. I'll never forget three-o-clock in the morning in the middle of February jogging around a roundabout in the Welsh mountains trying to get the circulation going again. It was so cold I was really glad to get on the ferry home.
Your next bike? I love the Ducati so I think I'll get another one next but, seeing as I've had the Katana for so long, it may be some time before I change again.