Style Rider, Jun Kawano – Harley Davidson Sportster

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 Junya ‘Jun’ Kawano, Tokyo based Harley rider and Shop Staff at workwear brand Trophy Clothing.

Name: Junya ‘Jun’ Kawano

Residence: Tokyo, Japan

Occupation: Shop Staff, Trophy Clothing

Instagram: @Junya

Today’s ride: A lightly customised 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster.

Describe your style: I love the functionality and style of quality workwear. It serves me well on the bike and at work. Workwear items also mix well with military influenced clothing as they both share a history of being function-led.

Favourite items: My favourite element associated with motorcycles is the sound of my Harley as the noise reverberates through the urban canyons of Tokyo.

Next purchase: A 1964 Harley Davidson Pan, Shovel or Knucklehead. This is an important year to me as it is the year of my father’s birth. I would like to ride a motorcycle that feels connected to my father.

Style inspiration: Meeting cool people in the motorcycle and clothing worlds.

Best local ride: Tokyo to Izu, a 150 km each way ride south.

Best distance ride: Tokyo to my home town of Miyazaki. One time this ride took me three days due to breakdowns. I love the roads in this area, seeing my family and surfing.

Tip for stylish riding: Ride with your girlfriend. She is the best-looking customisation you can have on a motorcycle.

Next trip: Tokyo to Osaka, a 1,000-kilometre round trip.

Why do you like riding? Motorcycle riding is like life. Sometimes it is rainy, sometimes there is danger, sometimes you a breakdown, and yet at other times you experience the best aspects of living; nature, speed, and being in the moment.