The symbiosis of man and machine is nowhere better expressed than in the image of the lone rider on his bike, but there is also the unmistakeable chic and social cache of the motorcycle.

After all, a book entitled "Zen and the Art of Car Maintenance" probably wouldn't have captured the public's imagination in quite the same manner as Pirsig's Motorcycle-themed novel.

Of course, cultural considerations will not necessarily be at the forefront of the minds of many Dubliners when they decide to buy a bike. What it really boils down to is traffic. The average person in Ireland spends 70 minutes commuting to work, but most of that time is spent sitting in traffic, especially in the cities. A motorbike or scooter can significantly cut down on commuting times, and, for example, a small scooter will be especially useful for the urban runs, with larger cycles more appropriate if people have longer runs.

"A 50cc bike will be ideal for quick transport, " said Eddie Laycock of Red Zone Motocycles in Kimmage on Dublin's Southside. And Eddie should know about quick transport . . . he was a twice winner of the Isle of Man TT (1987 and 1989), and has ridden his Yamaha on the circuit alongside such greats as Randy Mamola and Barry Sheene.

His customers at Red Zone are not expected to be travelling quite as quickly, although it is to be expected that they will be going faster than their automobile counterparts in Dublin's traffic.

"There are too many cars on the roads, " he said. "But if you choose a motorbike, even a scooter, you will be able to avoid the traffic. And, if you wear the right gear, a bike will not only be safe, but will be comfortable in any weather."

Red Zone carries a full range of Yamaha motorcycles, including its maxiscooter range. These are scooters that deliver the sort of performance that you would expect from a fully fledged motorbike, such as the X Max (125 cc and 250 cc), and the T Max (500 cc).

And for shorter city runs (or for younger bikers), you have the option of the 50 cc Neos.

The beauty of a smaller bike is that you can drive up to 125 cc on a normal driving licence. Anything bigger will require a motorcycle licence, which is probably worth having if you intend spending some time in the world of motorcycles.

But for the real aficionados, there is nothing quite like a custom-built bike. Irish Custom Cruisers has over 40 years experience in the motorcycle and automotive trade, and comes with full workshop facilities and friendly customer service.

It specialises in new custom builds and modifications from Honda to Harley . . . and, if people really want to stand out, then a trike could be for them.

Irish Custom Cruisers is the sole importer of Jinlun Motorcycles and WK trikes (it only supplies EU approved vehicles). It also stocks a complete range of custom parts and accessories . . . it is the agent for Highway Hawk parts, Zodiac Producs, Sealy Tools, Merlin Frames, ACT Tracking systems and Carole Nash insurance.