THE BASICS: The growth in motorbike ownership is one of the biggest stories of the past five years. Official statistics show that for 1997, there were 2,717 new motorbikes registered. In 1998, this figure had gone up to 3,117, and the following year it had shot up to 4,995; by the year 2000 there were 6,871 new motorbikes on the road. John Brophy reports.
The reasons are obvious: total gridlock is all too common, especially in wet weather, and even tele-working and other alternatives can't answer to all mobility problems.
There are several factors to be considered when getting a bike - or returning to two wheels after an absence. Like everything else, bargains are hard to find, but unlike most cars, a motorbike can last up to 12 years or more if treated properly. Motorbikes have never had a scrappage scheme, so there is no huge glut of second-hand bikes, and they hold their value in an orderly fashion over their working life.
Engine size does not mean speed, but rather stamina. A small 50 to 100 cc bike is quite adequate and fast enough for most urban commuting - but for longer distances, and when stretches of motorway are involved in a daily commute, something bigger is called for.
There is a break point at around 350 cc: bikes bigger than this are weighty. You need experience and confidence even to be able to wheel them round and park them. It's wiser to gain experience on a lighter machine before going on to the bigger sizes.
There is also the question of insurance. In the Republic there is, effectively, only one insurer, Hibernian, which has taken over the business formerly handled by Norwich Union. Costs are related to age and size of bike.
Accident insurance is one element of cost, but theft is another. Some of the more attractive kinds of bike are virtually uninsurable against theft. There are stories of organised gangs going round with vans, and lifting bikes off the ground and away for keeps. You can have alarms and immobilisers fitted, but there is much to be said for a strong chain and padlock. It's much better to have a garage or shed for keeping a bike overnight, and in this climate, it will do much to stop rust.
You'll have to think about carrying books or work equipment if you intend to use the machine as a daily workhorse. There are two kinds of mountings for boxes: one is for a top box (behind the pillion) and the other will take top and side boxes, but they aren't interchangeable. Remember, too, that there is a weight limit for what you can carry in the box - if you exceed it, it will affect handling and safety.
The other big initial outlay is in protective gear. Obviously, helmets are compulsory, but you should try on a few models. The big thing with helmets is to ensure you have a face-mask so that your warm breath doesn't fog up the visor. This is especially important for people who wear glasses. I know some bikers who use windsurfing goggles, which can help with night vision if you're on a long journey.
Boots are also very important. A motorbike will damage ordinary shoes, even if you have a heel and toe pedal fitted. But in suburban commuting, boots are as important as tyres: you need a firm foothold for stopping and starting. Some boots come with detachable gaiters, which can be zipped on to give extra protection in winter. A typical price would be €300 or more for a helmet, and boots would be only slightly less.
Jackets too, are costly, but will last for years. The sky is the limit for fashion-statement items in real crocodile hide, but for a mundane item, think €250 onwards. The good ones will be protected with armour padding and will have reflectors built in for night travel.
You must keep brakes well maintained, and tyres will need replacing after about 20,000 km. There are oil and filter changes, and you'll probably need a new chain after about 30,000 km, depending on how you use the machine. All this can mount up, but even on my own 500, I can get a tankful of petrol for €17, and that can last well over a week.