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 Lee Tanks about touring the American mid-west and finding safe riding gear that doesn’t compromise your individual style.
Name: Lee Tanks
Residence: Wollongong, Australia
Instagram: @clutch.moto
Today’s Ride: 2008 Harley Davidson Fatboy bobber
Describe your style: Rugged American workwear. My preference is for quality, functional, hardwearing materials like denim, wax cotton, cotton canvas and wool.
Favourite Items: My selvedge denim Clutch Moto jeans, Redwing boots and my Freenote Cloth waxed cotton Rider Jacket.
Next Purchase: Black Bear Brand has some sweet gear I’d like to get my hands on.
Style inspiration: No one person, but I have spent a lot of time in the midwest of the USA where I developed an appreciation for vintage Americana and western-style clothing.
Best Local Ride: Grand Pacific Drive is right at our doorstep, so it is hard to go past that coastal ride into the Royal National Park.
Best Distance Ride: Riding throughout the USA. The scenery is vastly different from state to state. It is an incredible experience meeting the people as they vary as much as the terrain.
Tip for Stylish Motorcycle Riding: Riders don’t have to conform to the traditional ‘Biker’ look anymore. There is safe riding gear that doesn’t force you to compromise your individual style. Find brands that compliment your style while maintaining safety.
Next Motorcycle Trip: I’d love to tour Vietnam or hit the dirt backroads from NSW to Northern Queensland.
Why do you like riding? The escape, the people and the constant tinkering with my bike.
