Style Rider focuses on the intersection of motorcycle culture and individual style. From time to time, we look at scooter riders whose passion and style particularly stand out. Here we speak to Ramones fan and vintage Vespa rider Stuart Tiainen.
Stuart’s style is perfectly at odds with the image often conjured up of scooter riders. There is real harmony between his tattooed, punk rocker look and the beaten up, highly modified vintage Vespa. Authenticity is a word bandied about all too often, yet here it feels appropriate. The sticker on the Vespa’s rear fender says it all; ‘Yes, it’s cool. No, I am not going to painting it.’
Name: Stuart Tiainen
Residence: Brisbane, Australia
Occupation: Co-owner, Commex Concepts, Sign-writers and Picture Framers/Kaizen Gallery.
Instagram: tiainenstuart
Today’s ride: 1991 Vespa PX200 with lots of modifications including a 232cc reed valve motor, front disc brake conversion, tubeless rims, Bitubo suspension, single cafe racer style seat, LED headlight conversion … there’s probably more that I’m forgetting.
Describe your style: Punker/Biker/Rocker/Whatever. Today I’m wearing a Bell Bullitt helmet, op shop sleeveless denim vest with Ramones patch, custom made Hutchinson leather jacket, Alpinestars gloves, random jeans, Vans sneakers and my own brand Stock is Best t-shirt.
Favourite item: It would have to be my Hutchinson Leather Wear jacket, handmade by a local Brisbane chap. This is the second one that he has made for me. Unfortunately, he retired a number of years ago so this jacket is treated with care.
Next purchase: Probably a new retro style full face helmet. My Bell Bullitt is about 4 – 5 years old now so I think it’s time for a new one.
Style inspiration: Just objects or images that I see that somehow build and intermingle with my current image. My look is always evolving but never strays too far away for my Punker/Biker/Rocker/Whatever style.
Best local ride: A nice Sunday afternoon ride over Clear Mountain down to Samford and back always cleanses the mind.
Best distance ride: A few of us normally ride out to Killarney once or twice a year. It is a beautiful ride and at 360 kilometres, a long way on a Vespa.
Tip for stylish motorcycling: Don’t ride like an idiot. There’s a time and a place for that 🙂
Tip for best looking safety gear: I’m a big fan of the retro looking gear. A full face helmet is a must and always wear gloves.
Why do you like riding? It’s a great way to unwind and the rawness of the Vespa is just exciting.
