Style Rider, Michelle Nazzari – Fonz NKD

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 Michelle Nazzari about being a tomboy and building an electric motorcycle company.

Name: Michelle Nazzari

Residence: Sydney, Australia

Occupation: Fonzarelli Bikes, Founder & CEO

Instagram: @Michelle.fonzarelli

Today’s ride: Fonz NKD

Describe your style: Tomboy. I need to be dressed functionally as I’m in or around a workshop six days a week. I’m wearing an array of boots Monday to Friday including Redwing Iron Rangers and a pair from RM Williams that have been re-soled over 10 times. And, I’ve worn the same pair of Doc Martens since I was 12 years old. I have a minimalist wardrobe and like to mix quality pieces with vintage and stay well away from high street fashion. I hate the word ‘trend’.

Favourite items: I love vintage kimonos for a more feminine look. My best friend Grant, who is 6’4, gave me a vast knitted jumper that his mum made. I’m wearing it daily in winter as a versatile jumper-to-rug piece. 

Next purchase: I’m building a custom NKD that’ll do 0-100 in under 4 seconds with a 200 km range. 

Style inspiration: Alexander McQueen.

Best local ride: Macquarie Pass in the Southern Highlands.

Best distance ride: I spent some time travelling around Colombia on a KLR650 a decade ago. It was my biggest trip and really cemented my passion for motorcycles. 

Tip for stylish motorcycle riding: Balance form with function. It’s the same as building a bike. There’s no point if it doesn’t perform well.

Next motorcycle trip: I want to ride the NKD the 4,000 kilometres from Sydney across the Nullabor to Perth.

Why do you like riding? The freedom and the challenges.