PAUL LEE'S PETRONAS FP1

Welcome to our project-themed paradise. A place where readers like you take a few snaps, tell a few tales, and get to show us what they've been grafting away at in their garages. This month we're getting to know Paul Lee's iconic Petronas FP1...

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Why this bike?

The FP1 has always been my dream bike, and unless your eyes are painted on then I suspect if you are reading this, most would agree that the FP1 was and still is a very attractive-looking bike, with added mystery and intrigue and a sprinkle of that white elephant appeal. When I saw the race bikes unveiled at Brands and heard the three-cylinder engine for the first time, it was something that made an impression on my brain that never left. As years went by, the poster of one I had in my garage looked old and tired, but my dream to own one was still very much like it was back in 2003. Then, years later, after a series of close encounters, phone calls, missed opportunities, auctions and rumour, I managed to secure a couple of bikes from Malaysia and my dream became a reality. I finally had my own FP1 (well, two of them).

What's the end goal and why?

For me personally, a bike must be used regardless of its spec, status or value. So, the goal is simply to use it... it's as simple as that. This is my main FP1 (shown), and it has been nothing but a joy to use, own, and even work on. It's safe to say I own the highest-mileage FP1 in the world and I plan to go well past 10,000 miles on it with little more than basic regular maintenance. Sure, there are more practical, expensive, special and rarer bikes, but for me the FP1 is a labour of love. Life is too short to keep something like this in some airtight dungeon in case it loses a few quid in value. I fully intend to keep using it as much as I can and thrash it hard every time I ride it before I get too old and spend old age with regrets.

How's the story going so far?