Moto-mobilities: Geographies of the Motorcycle and Motorcyclists

Abstract

This paper draws upon and seeks to extend accounts of systems of automobility through an examination of geographies of the motorcycle and motorcyclist – or what we term ‘moto-mobilities’. We utilize the figure of the motorcycle to raise the importance of analysing alternative mobilities: to consider how they appeal to different travelling dispositions and emotions; how they have been represented; and how they have been produced, marketed and consumed. The paper first reflects upon the experiences and embodiment of the motorcycle-rider; second, evaluates representations of moto-mobility; and finally attends to the materiality of mobility via an examination of the economy of motorcycle qualities.

key words:

• Motorcycles
• economy of qualities
• automobility
• embodiment
• innovation
• design
• consumption

Notes

1. We predominantly refer to motorcycles through the paper, but at the same time recognize a variety of forms of motorized two wheel transport, stretching from small mopeds and scooters to larger-engine motorcycles. Clearly, there may be significant diversity across the riding experiences and social constructions and meanings of different types of PTWs, and we identify such distinctions where necessary.

2. It is important to clarify the use of the epithet ‘biker’. A good proportion of motorcycle riders who do not belong to self-defined ‘outlaw’ gangs would refuse the ‘biker’ label in favour of ‘motorcyclist’. Similarly, the majority of the available social science literature (Maxwell, 1999; Halnon & Cohen, 2006) refers to the latter term. One exception is McDonald-Walker (2000b), whose book Bikers: Culture, Politics and Power carries a cover illustration of a leather-clad motorcyclist whose face is obscured by a scarf, and around whose neck hangs a heavy security chain. The choice of cover image may well have lain in the hands of the publisher, although McDonald-Walker does refer to ‘bikers’ through much of the text.

3. Towards the end of his essay, Hebdige (1988, p. 114) notes that women’s participation within Mod subculture predominantly was as a subordinate role of ‘girlfriend’ positioned as ‘pillion fodder’. Thus, the characterization of Mods as a ‘challenge to hegemonic forms of masculinity’ (Sassatelli, 2007, p. 78) appears somewhat misleading.

4. It is worth noting that whilst Simon’s original journey was completed on a Triumph, he used a BMW R80 GS for his recent re-run of this journey, as detailed in Dreaming of Jupiter (Simon 2007).