20 Questions: Ross Clifford

Former Marketing Manager for Micron exhausts reckons he's like an MZ250



Marketing Manager, Micron exhausts


1. If you were a bike what would you be?

I'd like to think SM510, but I feel more MZ250 right now

2. Describe yourself in a word

Aching (see above - four days at the NEC plays havoc with your knees)

3. What's the most embarrassing bike you ever lusted over?

CB250N Super Dream, it was the business in Top Trump cards

4. What were you riding when you first topped 100mph?

350YPVS, the ultimate tank slapper

5. What should the speed limit be on a clear and empty motorway?

No limits, like on the Autobahns

6. What's the fastest you've ever ridden on the public highway?

168mph on the Sprint ST launch in South Africa [Liar, I was there, you only got 161! - Jon]

7. What's your favourite road?

The one that takes me home

8. What's the most you'd spend on a bike?

I don't think I would have a limit, somehow I'll justify the cost

9. Who do you admire in biking?

John Bloor and Dave Rawlins Snr, one for his focus and the other for his awesome riding ability and just being a great bloke to be around

10. What would you do with your last gallon of fuel?

Lap Phillip Island on Mick Doohan's NSR500 until it conks out

11. What bikes would you own if money were no object?

Marlboro RD500LC, Britten V1000 and an NSR500 to start with

12. What's the maddest thing you have ever done on a bike?

Crete, scooter, a few drinks, "This is how you pull a wheelie..." gravel rash

13. Have you ever spent a night in jail?

No. Does that mean I have led a sheltered life? [Yes - Tim]

14. What's on the horizon in your field of work?

Hydroforming, it's a technology that will change the look and performance of exhausts systems

15. What are you reading at the moment?

Smokey the Dragon and Halibut Jackson... I have kids

16. What's your proudest achievement?

Being part of the Triumph Valmoto team that won the 2003 Junior TT - it may never be repeated

17. Do motorcycles inform your work and, if so, in what way?

Without them I would have no work

18. If you could switch careers what would you do?

I'd be a marine biologist

19. Are you paid enough?

I'm happy with my lot

20. What would you like your epitaph to be?

He had a healthy cynicism on life