Trevor Baker, company director of Motomax Motorcycles
Your bike? A KTM Superduke 990
Why did you choose the KTM Superduke? Mainly because of its powerful 990cc V-twin engine. Also, it handles like a true sports bike with Renthal Moto X-style handlebars and it's super over our twisty bumpy roads. I also love its unique styling; it turns heads wherever it goes.
Why did you become a biker? I got my first bike when I was 12 years old. It was a Yamaha FS1E. I just had an interest in bikes from an early age and I've gone through a lot of bikes since then. Bikes are part of my everyday life for fun, sport, transport and my business.
What do you use the KTM for? I take my van into work and then I use my bike throughout the day for trips into town for parts and I also use it for spins at the weekend.
Do you take an interest in motorcycle sports? Yes I take an interest in all two-wheeled sports including Irish and international road racing, WSB, BSB and Moto GP. I've competed in both Moto X, Super Moto and Enduro events and currently do Track Days in Mondello Park and other circuits throughout the UK.
What was the Enduro like? Enduros are competitive events where riders ride against the clock rather than against other riders, each rider attempts to maintain an exact schedule regardless of the terrain and conditions they encounter. Terrain is normally mountainous along marked trails through forests, fields and bogs; penalty points are given on early or late arrival at a checkpoint. During the event there are a number of special tests where riders are timed to ride from a marked point A to point B as fast as possible.
Have you taken any biking trips abroad? Yes. I've gone on trips around Europe, the UK and America. Some of the roads throughout France and Spain are super for motorcycles. I had a memorable trip with my wife some time ago across the Nevada Desert on a Harley from LA to Las Vegas.
Had any accidents? Yes, I've had a few over the years - mostly little slides. I had a big accident during a track day in 2003 when I hit the pit wall at high speed and it broke me up pretty badly.
Any tips for safe riding? Always wear quality protective clothing and ride defensively, as if everyone is out to get you.
Have you taken rider training? No I haven't but I would highly recommend it especially for young inexperienced riders and people considering returning to motorcycling after years out of the saddle. As a motorcycle shop owner I'm always concerned about the 40-year-old guy who rode bikes when he was 17 or 18 years old and he wants to take up biking again. Bikes have changed so much in recent years that, for someone like this, training is essential. I also think training should be given in transition year at school so students can be taught how to ride a bike and drive a car in a safe environment.
Any issues for the government? Lower insurance costs for motorcyclists, introduce compulsory training and allow motorcycles in bus lanes.