MICHAEL BONER, Nikon & Minolta camera service agent.
What was your first machine? Kawasaki KE125
What attracted you to it, and indeed, motor cycles? At the time, it was affordable, and offered the freedom of movement required by a student at that time.
How much did it cost? While I do not remember the exact cost, it did require that my parents acted as guarantor. I have a recollection of repayments that seemed to go on forever.
What is your current bike and what did it cost? I am currently the proud owner of a 1971 Harley Davidson Electra Glide, a custom-built Harley Chopper and a Yamaha XT600.
What attracted you to Harley Davidson? My interest in Harley Davidson is confined to pre-1984 Harley Davidson models to include restoration and custom bike building around any pre-1984 Harley motor.
What was involved in the custom-built Harley Chopper featured here? I built this bike through last winter and it is based around a 1978 Harley Davidson motor and a later 1996 gearbox. The frame is a 1940s Harley Davidson which has been heavily modified by Seán at Clutch Motorcycles, who also carried out the extensive engineering work. Everything else is either custom-made or modified to suit, and finished off with paintwork by Noel Connelly of FlameArt. As they say about projects like this 'conceived in a pub, built in a shed' total build time was 300 hours approx. at a cost of just under €10,000.
What did the insurance cost? As this bike has classic status, I was able to add it to my existing bike policy for €120.
What do you use the bike for? Apart from the obvious pleasure of riding it, this bike was built to enter shows of this season and has taken 'Best of Show' and other prizes at each event.
How much do you spend on gear? My main emphasis with regard to gear is safety and comfort. Quality gear can be expensive, but cheap gear is a false economy.
What is your next bike likely to be? Despite many visits to the pub for inspiration, I am not 100 per cent sure, but it will probably be a Pan Head-based California 'Bobber'.