Kevin Heap - What Bike?

What bike do you ride and why?

Kevin Heap........THIS IS YOUR BIKING LIFE!!!

Kevin is a born ‘n bred Huddersfield boy. At present he works as an I.T. consultant specialising in outsourcing I.T. and computer services. Married to Carol they have two children and four grandchildren. Kevin is a very young looking grandfather!

As seen elsewhere in the news-letter the Air Ambulance project was Kevin’s idea. But Kevin points out that the success of the project is a shared one. With many members doing “their bit”.

How did you start biking ?

As soon as I was 16 I simply couldn’t wait. I bought a moped to get myself onto powered two wheels. Worst bike I ever had.

What was your first real bike ?

My first real bike was a Yamaha YAS1 a 125cc 2 stroke twin which I got when I was 17. I took my bike test on it.

What bikes since?

For my 20th birthday I bought a brand-new Yamaha DTR 100. That was good and I did many happy miles on it. At that point life changed. I got married; family and mortgage etc meant no bikes for nearly 18 years.

Then in 1996 I decided it was time to get back into biking. I bought a Honda CBR600 FH then lay awake all night wondering what I was going to do with the bike. By the week-end I had remembered what to do with the bike and I rode the CBR for about two years.

For my 40th birthday I bought a Honda Blackbird and took my advanced test on it. What a lovely bike. I kept the Blackbird for about 6 years 1997 to 2003. During that time we went everywhere together; just a fantastic machine.

In 2003 I fancied a change and got a Ducati ST4S. V-twin!!

What bike are you riding now and why?

Again I have bought something a bit different and special. I have an Aprilia Tuono. Love it!! Performance, naked style, presence and unique.

How did you get involved with WYAMS / IAM?

While I had the CBR I was introduced to advanced biking in the form of the WYAM's group by Dudley Martin. Best thing that ever happened to me.

Had any serious mishaps?

Luckily none. One embarrassing fall. We were going up hairpin impossible (Hardknott Pass). The engine stuttered; I dabbed; the road wasn’t there! Camber! Bike fell over!

What sort of riding do like and do?

All and everything!. Once I am out I really prefer to stay out all day regardless of whether I am on my own or in a group. A nice bike, dry, scenic road and a sticky tyre and I’m in heaven. I also love touring and have been able to go abroad every year since 1999.

Won the lotto. You can choose ONE bike. What would your dream bike be.

I can think of several. No one bike only.

It would have to be an MV Agusta F4 1000 or Lotto, big bucks why not a Ducati Desmosedici the £60,000 road version of the MotoGP bike.

What do consider the best biking moment you remember?

Lots. I hope I never have to be without a bike. I have met so many nice people; been to so many nice places; had so many great days out, tours abroad. So many happy memories. The highlight probably riding the I.O.M TT circuit on mad Sunday on the Blackbird.