Alan O'Reilly, vice president, finance, Oracle Ireland
Your bike? A 2002 BMW R1150RT
Why this bike? When I came home from the US in 2000 I bought a Pan European. This led to a BMW R1100RT and on to a R1150RT. I've fancied a BMW ever since I saw the stunning R90S in my teens. My BMW is very relaxed in traffic compared to the Honda which always felt like a caged animal except on the open road.
Why did you become a biker? In the mid 1970s, I met two Germans touring Ireland on a R90S - it made a big impression. It took me until 1983 to do my first European tour on a Honda CX500. Getting your hands dirty is a big thing for me, finding how bikes work.
Take any rider training? None. I bought a used Yamaha 125 and learned by trial and lots of error. The biggest lesson for a young rider is riding within a bike's limits and road conditions. I had many low speed slides on wet roads as a young rider. Modern bikes have better tyres, lights and brakes - which make bigger bikes safer.
Do you drive a car? Yes, an Audi A4.
Any family resistance to you riding a bike? My mum and dad rode scooters in their youth - they got me my first bike for which I'll be ever grateful. When I came back to biking after a 10-year lay off in 1994 my wife was convinced that the old bike I bought to restore - a 1946 Triumph - was safe because it was slow. I didn't tell her, but it had the worst brakes I've ever had!
Do you worry about safety? No, I ride as safely as I can and the BMW has excellent tyres and brakes. I alway have the headlight on, which is a huge help. Cars should be discouraged from using lights in good daylight visibility - this makes bikes less visible.
How do you use the bike? From Dalkey to work in Clontarf - and I tour Ireland and the Continent. I do about 6,000 miles a year.
Any accidents? Not in the past 10 years, but I was hospitalised after an accident in 1980 when I worked as a motorcycle courier.
Do you follow motorsport? Kells is my favourite race meeting and the British Superbikes at Mondello is a must. Road racing lets you get right up close to the action and it's a great day out.
Any bad experiences with motorists? Being tail-gated by cars on the M50 or watching articulated lorry drivers just off the ferry going around the roundabout at The Point with one hand on the wheel and the other holding a mobile phone.
Any survival tips? Clean your bike regularly. It's the best safety check you can do.
Your dream bike? The Ducati 749R.