Motors & Me: Brendan O’Laoire

Brendan O’Laoire shows off his stunning collection of motorbikes.

Sat, 25 Apr, 2015 - 01:00

What are you currently riding?

At this stage of my life I am spoiled for choice! I have a “modern” Honda CB 500 TWIN; A 1922 AJS 350CC, B1,SV; a 1933, BSA 250CC, B3,OHV; a 1946 Excelsior 98CC, and a 1967, Honda CD 175CC, Sloper.

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

I was very lucky to grow up close to the late, great car collector and restorer Tom O’Neill and the late Patsy Fitsimmons, who were passionate about old motorcycles. As a young boy I would spend hours “helping” them with whatever they were currently working on.

God bless them both, they had endless patience. I got to love the whole world of old cars and motorcycles. I have an interest in history anyway and my interest in transport is part of that.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

I suppose it could be said that I am a “petrol head”.

What was your first bike?

A DOT, VIVI 50CC moped which I rode around the back garden. This was followed by DOT, 197CC, 4-speed Trials machine and an Ariel 350cc field bike. My first road bike was a red Yamaha 50cc quickly followed by a 150cc Honda Benly (a 1963 model, I think).

What else do/did you own?

I cannot remember a time when I was without a motorcycle. I have owned a Honda 50; a Yamaha AS3; a Yamaha xs650cc; a Yamaha 100 cc Twin / Garelli Special; a Royal Enfield Crusader; a Royal Enfield Bullet and a Triton 500cc. I am currently restoring a 1936 BSA 500CC W6 model. I could not do any of this without the wonderful network of friends that I have made in the Irish Vintage and Veteran Motorcycle Club. I like to outsource as much work as I can in Ireland.

Dream bike in dream location?

I would love to do some touring in the US and my dream would be to surprise my brother by arriving at his home in Michigan without telling him first. My dream touring bike would probably be a BMW.