How to not look (or ride) like a squid

What is a squid, anyway

In motorcycle culture, a squid is the rider with more bike than brains. Flip flops on the pegs, no jacket, a shiny new sport bike, and a habit of doing dumb things in traffic to look fast.

The term is half insult, half warning. Squids crash. Then they either quit riding or end up in our service bay with a totalled bike and a long recovery. Here is how to avoid the whole identity.

The squid starter pack to avoid

You become a squid through choices, not bikes. Avoid these and you are most of the way there.

• Riding in shorts, a tank top, or sneakers because it is hot.
• Buying a 1000cc supersport as your first bike to look serious.
• Treating public roads like a race track.
• Stunting in traffic before you can do a smooth U turn.
• Skipping the helmet, or wearing it unbuckled.

The irony is that the riders who look the most hardcore to non riders are the ones experienced riders quietly write off as the next ambulance call. Real respect in this sport goes to skill and good judgment, not to noise and recklessness.

What experienced riders actually respect

Want to be the rider others look up to? It has nothing to do with how loud your pipes are.

1. 01Full gear, every ride. Nothing signals a serious rider faster than someone properly kitted up in July.
2. 02Smooth control. Clean shifts, no jerky throttle, confident slow speed manoeuvres. Smooth is fast.
3. 03A bike that matches your skill. Starting on a sensible bike and growing into bigger ones shows you respect the craft.
4. 04Reading traffic. Anticipating the car that will turn left, leaving escape routes, riding like you are invisible.
5. 05Knowing your machine. Keeping the chain lubed, tires checked, and brakes fresh.

Looking good is a byproduct of riding well

Here is the secret. The riders who look the coolest are not trying to. They are geared up, relaxed, smooth, and in control. That competence is what reads as cool, not the stunting.

Ride within your skill, dress for the slide, and let your control do the talking. Style follows substance every time.

Want to look the part for the right reasons? Gear up properly in our store, and if your bike needs sorting before you ride it like a pro, book our service garage.