Style Rider, Takashi Futagawa – Vespa 50S

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 vintage scooter rider Takashi Futagawa about quality workwear and riding stylishly through the streets of Tokyo.

Name: Takashi Futagawa

Residence: Tokyo, Japan

Occupation: Sales, Freewheelers & Company

Today’s ride: 1987 Vespa 50S, bored-out to 100cc. This is very special to me as it was a gift from my mentor.

Describe your style: A mixture of old and new, with an emphasis on quality workwear. The clothes I wear have to look right both on and off the bike.

Favourite items: The coat I was wearing on the day of this shoot. It is a modern interpretation of an old military motorcycle coat made by Freewheelers & Company.

Next purchase: Good leather shoes!

Style icon/inspiration: Guys who ride old motorcycles all year round in Tokyo.

Best local ride: Tokyo. I love to ride in the city, aimlessly drifting through the urban canyons without any planned route.

Best distance ride: I have never been to any distant place on this bike as it is only suitable for shorter trips.

Tip for stylish riding: Ride with your favourite boots/shoes. Scooters are great for this as the front farings protect your beautiful shoes.

Next motorcycle trip: The 100 kilometres to Chiba to eat tasty seafood on the beach.

Why do you like riding? Simply, it is a joy to be on a bike.