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 Dennis Lindsay, Publisher of The Better Living Index, Style Rider and owner of Deus ex Machina’s first motorcycle.
Name: Dennis Lindsay
Residence: Sydney, Australia
Occupation: A&D Manager, Schiavello and Publisher, The Better Living Index and Style Rider
Instagram: @styleridermotorcycles
Today’s ride: Deus ex Machina custom Yamaha TW200. This is the brand’s first ever motorcycle. Very little of the original bike other than its functional components remain, with an extended swing-arm reminiscent of a hill-climber, a polished aluminium tank and chopped front mudguard replacing the plastic originals. A Daytona speedo, chrome headlight and removable surfboard racks complete the design.
This Deus ex Machina custom defies classification. It could never have the best performance with its small engine, extended swingarm and knobbly tires. However, the fun derived from riding it and its good looks more than makeup for its quirks. Fifteen years later and it still puts a smile on my face.
Describe your style: A mix of different eras—especially 1920 to 1950’s —with modern functionality; i.e. the waterproof lining of a Deus x Barbour waxed cotton jacket or the added protection of Saint Unbreakable jeans. I particularly like tactile fabrics, including leather, waxed cotton, denim, linen, silk, wool, cashmere and tweed.
Favourite items: Real McCoy’s WWII denim jacket, Belstaff leather jacket, Freewheelers black leather gauntlet gloves, Studio D’artisan vest, Red Wing Beckham Boots, IWC watch and helmet bag by Rugged216.
Next purchase: El Solitario Rascal leather motorcycle pants.
Style icon/inspiration: No one person, just elements from many stylish men over the eras including Cary Grant, David Beckham and the smartly dressed people in Men’s File (UK) and Clutch (Japan).
Best local ride: The Royal National Park south of Sydney for its run through the forest to the ocean.
Best distance ride: Day one: Sydney south to Tilba along the coast, then inland to Jindabyne via Cooma. Day two: Cross the Snowy Mountains to Khancoban, then onwards through Beechworth, Puckapunyal and finally my favourite country town, Daylesford.
Tip for stylish motorcycle riding: Polish your boots. This makes a huge difference. Also, scarves are a stylish and useful accessory keeping the cold off your throat in winter and the sun off your neck in summer.
Next motorcycle trip: Two weeks in Northern Vietnam with friends riding 125cc motorcycles.
Why do you like riding? The thing I love about motorcycling is that it is the journey that matters, not the destination. Riding is the activity. Getting there is secondary.
