Motorbike inspired me, says author

Posted : 02-05-2007

A Scottish author has admitted his Honda motorbike works as a source of inspiration when putting pen to paper.

Iain Banks, who writes complex novels with an often macabre edge, explained his choice as part of a photography series called Inspired, which aimed to capture writers with their muses - whatever form these may take.

According to the Scotsman newspaper, Banks originally chose the Forth Bridge but changed his mind to the Honda bike, saying it is one of his "escape routes".

He explained: "[It is] a way to get away from everything and everybody else so I can think … it's smooth, powerful and it always works."

Earlier this year, the author sold his fleet of luxury cars and swapped them for a more eco-friendly hybrid car, but said he hadn't abandoned fast driving altogether.

"I also have my Honda motorbike if I feel like scaring myself," he told the Times.

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