Style Rider focuses on the intersection of motorcycle culture and individual style. Here we speak to vintage Honda CB400F Super Sport rider, motorcycle racer and western aficionado Katie Abdilla.
Name: Katie Abdilla
Residence: I live 20 minutes outside the Hobart CBD, in Southern Tasmania.
Occupation: Full time motherhood with a bit of graphic design on the side.
Instagram: @katieabdilla
Today’s ride: 1976 Honda CB400F Super Sport I call “Billie”. She is relatively stock, aside from some custom fabricated parts. My favourite parts of the bike would be the top triple clamp that houses the Motogadget speedometer. This was made by Justin from PopBang Classics. I also love the headers. They are a stock part hailing from the 70’s, and still a work of art.
Describe your style: Mostly urban tomboy with a touch of Western and or rock n’ roll. My favourite items are black Levis jeans and this leather belt. I had it made at a small leather store up in the Adelaide Hills on a motorcycle trip. These two items are a staple to nearly everyday’s outfit.
Next purchase: For clothes, probably more black jeans. As for a motorcycle, I’d love to build a Triumph chopper based on a 3T or 5T. That would be cool. Unfortunately, they are pretty rare so a TR6 would suffice depending upon the condition of the find.
Style inspiration: Cowboys and cowgirls. Western fashion has a distinct style that appeals to me and can be worked into everyday items.
Best distance rides: The Natchez Trace, Nashville TN, USA, Weldborough Pass in the North East of Tasmania, or Hellyer Gorge in the North West of Tasmania.
Tip for stylish motorcycling: Make sure your gear is fitted and kept clean. Having a cool motorcycle also helps.
Tip for best looking safe riding gear: What I usually wear riding are my John Doe motorcycle jeans, Falco boots, Boda Skins – Kay Michales leather jacket or, the Walden Miller RDO leather jacket, Grifter leather gloves and lastly, my helmet is a Shoei Glamster. Sometimes I’ll finish the outfit with a red bandana around my neck.
Next motorcycle trip: I’ll be riding a 1950’s Vincent Comet in the Vincent Motorcycle Rally in February 2023. We will be riding around Tasmania for two weeks. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve ridden around the State now!
Why do you like riding? I never expected this from riding motorcycles, but I find mindfulness when riding. Focusing on line work, braking and cornering technique is the perfect way to clear my head from clustered thoughts. I also like riding track and motocross to push my comfort zones and further my riding skills.
