…I wouldn’t swap from a boxer!’
NICK Age 38 COLLINS Height 6ft
Current bike 2018 R9T and 2016 GSA
Been riding for 30 years
First bike Honda MBX50
Dream bike Honda RC30 and BMW R18
“I started biking at 16 and rode bikes all through uni but stopped about 15 years ago. But in 2015 I bought a Ducati Scrambler – I love the retro look– then traded it in for a GS, then bought the R nineT. “I really wanted a retro to complement the GS and be something a little different and cool. It suited my riding and long arms, you don’t see many around and I got a great deal!
“I’ve not done long distances as it’s not that sort of bike but have enjoyed the amazing roads around my home and also ridden it on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. I’ve removed the original mirrors, added a tail tidy, some graphics to make the bike my own and a new exhaust too.
“The racer has a very extreme riding position but as I have long arms it suits me. It also has a great engine with massive amounts of torque so is very easy to ride and everyone wants to talk about it as it looks more like a classic bike rather than one that’s just two years old.
“It’s quality but pricey to buy and service but I love Boxer engines. The thought of them coming essentially from an aeroplane engine is really cool and they have a lot of character that modern bikes and engines just don’t have. You either love them or hate them. I love them. “I really like the look of the new BMW R18 cruiser but have not seen one in real life yet so will see what they are like. I’ve also never had a cruiser bike before.”