Matthew Kelly, a 21-year-old Engineering student at DCU, talks to Motors about his first motorbike.
What was your first machine?
My first introduction to bikes was an automatic 50 cc Moto Minerelli. This was an off-road bike - it spent most of its time off the road!
How much did it cost?
I bought it at the age of nine for £30. I was attracted to it mainly because my father had bikes and also because there was the challenge of repairing it.
What's your current machine?
My current bike is a 1984 BMW R80RT, which I acquired from a friend. It's a great bike, extremely practical as a daily hack being both easily maintained and cheap to run. It also has the advantage of a big fairing and storage space, useful in winter and summer for keeping the rain off and packing dry gloves!
What did it cost?
The bike is worth about €3,000.
. . . and insurance?
Insurance is the biggest expense - €2,158. That's for third party only, with four years 'no claims', a full 'A' licence and a RoSPA silver standard. Still cheaper than a flat near college.
What do you use the machine for?
Everything! I use it every day all year round - that's roughly 20,000 miles a year. I commute to college and work during the week. At weekends I use it for motorcycle training with Fingal Co Council's Star Rider training scheme.
How much do you spend on gear?
Helmet €300, Jacket €170, Trousers €150, Gloves €60, Boots €150. They are almost waterproof!
What is the longest journey you have taken on a motorcycle?
The longest journey I've taken was to the driving test centre the day of my test in 1998.
What advice do you have for others thinking of taking up motorcycling?
Get trained and get your driving test. It's the ultimate 'Jam Buster'.
What's you next upgrade likely to be?
The bike my Dad's riding at the moment, a BMW R1000GS Paris-Dakar . . . but he doesn't know.