So, you're a bit of a biker...
As soon as I was 16, I passed my test and bought a Yamaha RD400, and I've been a biker at heart ever since. I saved all my money and then got a Suzuki GS1000 in 1979 and I still have it today.
I've had many since; Nortons and Triumphs and finally the Harley. It's my first one and it's not the conventional type that you see on the roads, which is what I found most appealing.
Why did you wait so long before getting it?
I was more into racing than cruising when I was young, so the more corners the better. I was never a straight-line guy, and that's why I never really had Harleys.
The VRSC Night Rod was developed mainly to compete with the Japanese muscle bike market. It has a 1,250cc 60 degree V-twin engine which was jointly developed with Porsche. It's a much smoother engine than the conventional Harley 45-degree twin. I bought it a couple of years ago. It has black TAB power exhausts which increase the horsepower and I love the noise it makes. It also has pneumatic rear shocks that I can lower at the flick of a switch.
Your RS5 is a bit rare, isn't it?
Yes, there are only four in Dubai and I have the RS5 Exclusive which is the only one here.
Audi told me it was initially booked by an Emirati who didn't come back for it. I think Audi is the brand of the moment, and its attention to detail and build quality are the best. It's a great-looking car with outstanding performance.
It has 450 horses, but are there any special roads for it to gallop?
The Jebel Hafeet mountain road is very good, otherwise most of the roads here are rather straight with very few good bends, but there are places out there where you can have fun.
Do they get any special treatment from you?
I used to service all my own bikes and cars but nowadays they've become so sophisticated you have to take them to someone who knows what they are doing.
I try to ride the bike every week if I can and the Audi most days at the moment. I don't want to clock up too many miles around town on it so I use my Mercedes-Benz CLK500 to go to and from the office.
What's your dream car?
The Aston Martin V12 Vantage. It really is beautiful. I honestly don't think there is a car in the whole world that is any better.
Bio
Name Richard Richardson
Job Communications specialist
From Portsmouth, England
Wheels 2011 Audi RS5 Exclusive, 2008 Harley-Davidson VRSC Night Rod Special
In the UAE 11 years
