December 2023 - Hideo Tano

Where are you from/where do you live?
Tokyo, Japan

How long have you been riding?
Thanks for one of my friends, I've enjoyed riding motorcycles for 32years. I had had no interest in motorcycles until I met Katz in college. Katz who was my best friend came to school by HONDA VT250 everyday. I was influenced by him a lot in those days. It was natural for me to take motorcycle license shortly. If I had not met him, I would not be motorcyclist now. He passed away four years ago. I really thank Katz for giving me the opportunity to ride motorcycle which has enriched my life since then.

First motorcycle?
It was 1985 HONDA XLR250R. I bought the used motorcycle in 1991. I remember I often fell off from the HONDA.

Current motorcycle?
It is 2019 YAMAHA YZF-R25. I enjoy track ride with this lightweight bike.

Tell us about your ride through the U.K.
On New Year's Day I've thought about doing something my way after the pandemic. Then in the middle of October I took a leave of absence for twelve days to travel around the U.K. by motorcycle, which I call My Ride the U.K. tour.

My Ride the U.K. tour started from London where I've rented HONDA NC750X for seven days. Then I've been to Epping, Bibury, Cheltenham, Welshpool of Wales, Bala Lake of Wales, Lake District, Edinburgh of Scotland, Liverpool, Birmingham, Donington Park Circuit, Silverstone Circuit, The National Motorcycle Museum and Stonehenge.

I had good times driving thru picturesque towns and villages in the U.K. I also experienced some problems on the journey. Everything in the U.K. was new to me, so I often asked my English friends and local people for help. They kindly gave me appropriate information and good advice for me to resolve all troubles. This great experience with many English people made My Ride the U.K. tour priceless one. I really appreciate all of them from the bottom of my heart.

How did you first learn about Aerostich motorcycle gear?
Please see below

What Aerostich gear do you use?
In preparing for this travel, I chose Aerostich Cousin Jeremy Jacket which is very sturdy as my riding gear.

What other countries do you hope to ride in?
I've traveled around the States by car before. I hope to ride motorcycle in the U.S. someday!

Do you ride to work?
No. Ride to work was strictly prohibited by all companies I've worked for.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
Don't be wild too much. Have fun!

What makes you most excited about motorcycles and riding?
I'm sorry if this may sound a little different. Thanks for motorcycles, I've made many good friends in not only in Japan but also abroad. This time I visited English friend and his family in Epping, England. Four years ago, I met Austrian friend and his family in Brisbane, Australia. Fifteen years ago, I went to see American friend in Washington, the U.S. They gave me warm welcome. We had good conversation about two wheels in their man caves. We love motorcycles. Our thing in common makes good friendship between us.

Aerostich-specific stories?
It was 1994 when I read an American motorcycle magazine to brush up my English. As soon as I saw Aerostich's ad, I wrote you an attached English letter to ask for a copy of free brochure. But I could not afford to buy any items from you in those days.

Then now I'm enough matured to buy Aerostich brand gear. It has been my dream to ride motorcycle wearing Aerostich Jacket of good quality.