Fast Babes Featured Rider: @bikermiki
Name: @bikermiki
Instagram: @bikermiki
You can catch @bikermiki ripping thought the canyons or out on the track! She is based in LA and the City Host for @themotosocial LA and Co City Host @gentlemansride LA. She also owns three pretty bad ass bikes!
Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?
I was born and raised in Japan. I currently live in Los Angeles, CA!
How did you initially get involved with motorcycles?
My dad had a Honda CB75. (I had never seen him riding lol). I would sit on the dusty and rusty bike and pretend I was riding it when I was little. I thought that was the coolest thing I had ever seen! That was my first experience on the bike.
When did you get your first bike and what was it?
At age 16, I could have only a motorcycle license in Japan. I wanted to have something cheap and that could go anywhere. I got a 50cc scooter but wanted to ride a bigger bike for speed and distance I got Suzuki Volty 250 (It's Suzuki TU250 in America.)
What do you currently ride and why?
I have three bikes!
2020 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black - I have always loved Triumph. It's a beautiful & classic-looking bike! I took this bike for a solo Colorado mountain trip, many moto camping trips, and even race tracks. This bike can handle all different kinds of ridinng.
2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 - Since I got hooked on riding on race tracks, I bought my first ever sportbike. It’s 321cc, lightweight and much cheaper than Triumph. A light bike is the best way to learn and gain riding skills too.
2019 BMW F750GS - I just bought this bike! It’s my first adventure bike. I rented a BMW GS in Alaska last year. I loved it so much that I decided to own one. It is a huge bike for a 5'1 tiny lady like me but it's very nimble once it takes off. This bike gives me more opportunities to ride on dirt roads.
What is your happiest memory that involves motorcycles?
It’s hard to pick just one! I do a big motorcycle trip once a year. A solo cross-country trip on a Harley-Davidson was my childhood dream. I was very excited when I finished that trip. The trip proved that a dream can happen when you take an action. My solo-Colorado trip and Alaska riding trip were memorable too. Moto camping with my friends are always good times. Riding solo at canyons is my therapy. Never had a bad day when I ride a motorcycle!
How have you become a more confident rider? Things you’ve done to help you gain confidence?
I hated riding in canyons a few years ago. It’s hard to believe that now since I prefer to ride canyons and race tracks! lol
Someone told me "Everybody can ride fast in straight lines, but your riding skills show when you make turns." I found that is so true. How many years of riding experience you have doesn't mean that person is a good rider. I decided to take classes and that changed my riding and give me confidence. Learning from professionals is the best way. I can promise you that!
Here are some classes that I took in CA and strongly recommend:
1:Hawthorne Police "Ride to Live" This class is FREE and has free lunch! You will learn technical riding skills.
2: Yamaha Champ school - @champ_school Learning from the best instructors at a race track. They use a race track for the class because it's a safe environment. I think this class changed my riding dramatically.
3: Socal Super Moto @socalsupermoto - Learning to ride on asphalt and dirt. The fee includes rental bikes and gear.
What is your dream trip/bucket list ride(s)?
Visiting all states in the U.S. was one of the bucket lists but I already visited 48 states. I might be not visiting a few more and call it a day lol
My next bucket list is riding a motorcycle abroad which I will make happen this year!
Also, since I become a track day addict I want to ride a bike at all of the race tracks in the U.S.!
How do you think motorcycles have changed your life?
When I rode a motorcycle just for a commute vehicle in Japan, it didn't change my life but once I start riding in CA, the motorcycle took over my soul and life for the best way. I am heavily involved in a motorcycle community in CA. I am a city host for The Moto Social, a co-city host for The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in LA, and a web nerd for Venice Vintage Motorcycle, etc. I can't imagine living without motorcycles and the motorcycle community!
Do you have any upcoming motorcycle trips/rides planned?
Since I have visited most of the states, I am going abroad. It depends on the situation at the time, but I am planning to ride a BMW GS on mountain passes in Europe this year!
