 Former F1 champion, bike racer and despatch rider. He doesn't like Honda's CB250.. |
What's the most embarrassing motorcycle you lusted after in your youth?
I'm not embarrassed about lusting after any bike but I did used to have a Harley Fat Boy.
What's the worst motorcycle you've ever owned?
A Honda CB250.
What motorcycle would you ride if money (or job!) were no object?
Brough Superior.
What's your favourite stretch of asphalt?
The Ronda road, Spain.
What's the best thing you ever did on a motorcycle?
Race.
What's the maddest thing you ever did on a motorcycle?
Race.
What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you on a motorcycle?
Going over backwards on my Bultaco 350 Sherpa while doing a wheelie on the (as yet unopened) M25. My knees were never the same again.
What is the most miserable time you've had riding a bike?
Doing an East Grinstead wait-and-return delivery on a Friday night in the pissing rain in November after having spent the whole week soaking wet.
Who's your all-time motorcycling hero, and why?
Barry Sheene, 'cos he was a hero.
What would you do with your last gallon of fuel?
Donate it to charity.
What motorcycle did you first do 100mph on?
Honda CB500F.
What's the fastest you've ever ridden?
150mph.
What's your pet hate in motorcycling?
Putting on all the clobber. It's a right chore.
What's the most you'd spend privately on a bike?
I'm trying to sell them at the moment - not buy them!
What's the one piece of essential equipment you need to have on your bike?
Electric starter.
Two-stroke or four-stroke, and why?
Four, because the other ones are too noisy and smelly.
What achievement by a rival are you most envious of?
I haven't got any rivals.
What are the trends in your field that are just below the horizon right now?
De-materialisation.
If you could switch careers, what would you like to do?
Be a student.
How much are you paid, and are you worth it?
I'm paid nothing, but I suspect I'm worth more than that.
