More than Just Touring, Artists' Motorcycle Hobby Now Becomes a Lifestyle and Business Opportunity

Kapanlagi.com - The hobby of riding big motorcycles (moge) is increasingly popular among several local artists. It's not just for show; many of them even form their own motorcycle gangs for touring together and building solid communities.

Names like Raffi Ahmad, Desta Mahendra, Indro Warkop, Ferry Maryadi, Ariel NOAH, and Gading Marten are known to be active in motorcycle communities and often share their moments on the road via social media.

In this community, it is evident that the motorcycle hobby is no longer just a regular pastime, but has become a part of the identity and friendships of celebrities. The Prediksi and The Dudas Minus One have become the motorcycle gangs of artists that are most often highlighted by the public.

1. Not Just Any Motorcycle

Interestingly, the motorcycles ridden by these celebrities are also not just any motorcycles. Some of them even have prices that exceed luxury cars. For example, Raffi Ahmad was once reported to have showcased a BMW R18 Classic motorcycle that costs over Rp1 billion.

Meanwhile, there is Ariel NOAH who owns a BMW R Nine T, a naked bike with a retro design, powered by a 1,170 cc Boxer Twin engine. Ariel's motorcycle is priced at Rp610 million.

There is also Andre Taulany who collects a Honda Monkey, a 2004 Harley Davidson Softail, a 1991 Honda Astrea Prima, and a Honda CB 450 Twin. Meanwhile, Tora Sudiro has a 1970s BMW R75, a Vespa Sprint, a PX125 Kawasaki Binter Mercy KZ200, and a Triumph Bonneville SE.

2. Sentimental Factors

The Prediksi (Credit: instagram.com/theprediksi_)

Ferry Maryadi, who has loved motorcycles for a long time, is known to collect Harley Davidsons, Honda Monkeys, a Qooder 4 399cc, and a BMW GS Adventure, which are not cheap. It’s no wonder that this hobby is considered a prestigious status symbol.

However, for these artists, motorcycles are not just about luxury. There are many sentimental factors they feel when touring long distances. "Riding a motorcycle is therapy for me," explained Ariel NOAH in an interview with Kompas.com.

Meanwhile, for Indro Warkop, motorcycles are not just a hobby but also a reminder of his father.

3. Economic Turnover

The Prediksi (Credit: instagram.com/theprediksi_)

"I was born and raised by my father who has a passion for motorcycles, especially Harley-Davidson. Indeed, since I was little. How I admired my father's grandeur riding an old Harley-Davidson," he told CNN in May 2023.

Interestingly, there is an economic turnover that occurs from this hobby. It can still be remembered how Prediksi often received sponsorship every time they went touring. Especially when they are together, there are always exciting activities and gimmicks that attract viewers' attention.

Some artists even admitted that they would only be willing to tour if there was already a supporting sponsor. This shows how the motorcycle hobby can synergize with the commercial world and brand activation.

4. Becoming Police Partners

The Prediction (Credit: instagram.com/theprediksi_)

Furthermore, the existence of this artist motorcycle gang also has another positive side. They have been involved several times by the police for road safety campaigns. Indro Warkop, for example, as a member of the Indonesian Big Motorcycle Club (MBCI), often serves as an ambassador for traffic ethics campaigns.

"We are not a reckless gang; rather, we are partners with the police in advocating for safe riding," Indro asserted, as quoted by Detik.com.

Touring has become their main activity, which is not just about the destination, but also the journey itself. Raffi Ahmad and his group once toured from Jakarta to Malang to visit business places while shooting content.

(kpl/tdr)