Style Rider aims to document the world’s most stylish motorcycle riders, be they riders of classic, custom or cafe racer steeds. Focused on the intersection of motorcycle culture with individual style, here we speak to 1988 BMW R100RS rider, Phillip Wong about retro-inspired touring.
Name: Phillip Wong
Residence: Sydney, Australia
Occupation: Investment Associate
Instagram: @phillwongg and @rsgummikuh
Today’s ride: 1988 BMW R100RS. It’s a dependable workhorse but also a slow-moving, long term project. I’ve kept it looking fairly stock, but it’s beginning to move in a more aggressive direction. The rear’s been upgraded with a Wilbers shock, progressive springs up front and a beefed-up top triple clamp from San Jose. The stock handlebars are as low as they can comfortably go to match the Tarozzi rear sets on the back. At the end of this year, I’ll start stripping the bike, doing a fork swap and putting on a less chunky seat.
Describe your style: Always evolving. Currently, my 1988 BMW demands a retro-inspired touring look.
Favourite items: My Timberland boots. They’re not proper riding boots of course, but I’ve had them for years, and they’re still very comfortable. They seem to be indestructible.
Next purchase: Dress boots from Thursday Boot Co.
Style icon/inspiration: No one in particular but I like the concept of gear that is dual purposed and does not look overtly like riding gear.
Best local ride: Old Pacific Highway on a crisp autumn morning.
Best distance ride: Licola Road between Glenmaggie and Licola in Regional Victoria.
Tip for stylish motorcycle riding: Buy quality gear that’s going to last.
Next motorcycle trip: Mongolia.
Why do you like riding? It’s therapeutic. It’s also a great way to meet interesting people who have their own reasons for being on two wheels.
