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 Industrial Designer Francesco Feliziani about riding’s combination of freedom, power and playfulness.
Name: Francesco Feliziani
Residence: Sydney, Australia
Occupation: Designer
Instagram: @francesco_feliziani
Today’s ride: 1995 Ducati 916S
Describe your style: Casual. I like garments that offer a level of projection when riding in the city, yet are multipurpose in that you cannot tell I’m riding a bike based on my clothes. A white or black t-shirt is always a good choice along with Converse Chuck Taylor’s. They’re great on and off the bike. Things get different when I head out for a weekend ride, where I pull on a one-piece leather suit and all the gear.
Favourite items: My HJC RPHA 11 helmet. It is super lightweight, comfortable and ventilated; perfect for those hot Sydney summer rides. Also my Dainese Full Metal gloves. These are so good they almost feel like I’m not wearing them.
Next purchase: I have worn my Dainese Full Metal gloves to their limit over the past few years. I will be buying another identical pair.
Best local ride: To the beach. Either through Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs or up to Manly and North Head.
Best distance ride: Putty Road and the Old Pacific Highway north of Sydney, are my go-to roads. I also enjoy a ride through Royal National Park, then Macquarie Pass followed by a meal down in Kangaroo Valley.
Tip for stylish motorcycling: Keep it clean. Avoid crazy graphics and wear something you’d feel comfortable sporting while away from your motorcycle.
Next motorcycle trip: I would really like to ride from Sydney to Phillip Island to see the Moto GP. My dream would be to rent an adventure bike and ride the whole of Australia.
Why do you like riding? It has always been my greatest passion; the first love I have memories of. When I was a kid in Italy, I was barely able to talk but could already tell all the bikes apart. I knew the brands and all of the specifications. Then in 1995, I saw a 916s for the first time. I remember sitting on the ground next to it for the whole day, just looking at it. It was then I knew I had found my dream bike. Riding is a combination of freedom, power and playfulness, that never stops making me happy. If you could see through my full-face helmet, you’d see I’m smiling all the time.
