September 2023 - Dr. Gregory W. Frazier

Fast Facts:

• Motorcycle author
• Circumnavigated the globe six times
• Owns over 30 motorcycles

How long have you been riding?
62+ Years

First motorcycle?
Honda CB 77, 305 Super Hawk

Current motorcycle?
I have about 30 + in my global stable, some running, some planned to be running, some “resting.” The oldest is a 1931, newest is 2015. My daily runner, in my USA base, is what I call an Urban Adventure Model, a 2009 Kawasaki KLX 250. My Urban Adventure Model in my winter home in SE Asia is a 130cc Kawasaki KAZE. For road work in Asia, I use a 2015 Versys 650, in the USA a 2009 KLR 650.

Why do you ride?
I became hooked on motorcycles as my main mode of transportation after my parents said, “You cannot have a motorcycle, instead you can use the family station wagon.” It was originally rebellion mixed with fun.  Then it became a greed for speed as I began motorcycle road racing, but still with the fun factor. Today riding motorcycles remains my main mode of transportation. I ride them because I can and there still remains the fun factor in my motorcycling equation.

Who or what was your biggest influence in motorcycling?
The fun and utility factors of moving myself between points were, and remain, big influences. As for a “who,” Andy Warhol taught me everything I know about writing about motorcycles and a way to make a living spinning words and images.

How many times have you ridden around the world?
I have circumnavigated the globe six times, six different ways. I have used a myriad of motorcycles on those global loops, ranging from an AMAZONAS to BMWs to KAWASAKIs. I have no choice for “what is best” for a global ride. The fun factor is usually a priority, as is the dependability. I care little about “the look” of the motorcycle I am using, care far more about its dependability.

The book I wrote about five of my global rides, DOWN AND OUT IN PATAGONIA, KAMCHATKA, AND TIMBUKTU addresses some of my motorcycle choices. 

What is your favorite country to ride in?
The United States of America.

Favorite Aerostich gear?
AEROSTICH riding suits. I have used several different models. For me they make what I deem to be the best. I also like that when I see an Aerostich riding suit motorcyclists I can relate to the statement they are making, “I chose the best.”

Aerostich-related or Aerostich-specific stories?
The first motorcyclist to circle the world did so in 1912-1913 (Book: MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURER). He wore a non-motorcycle textile one-piece riding suit. The motorcycle he used was a HENDERSON, a company that he felt made the best motorcycle for his global ride at the time. I believe that if he were assembling his gear for a global ride today he would make the same decision on riding gear, go with a textile suit. Because he chose the best motorcycle I suspect he would also choose the best riding gear: Aerostich made, because he wanted the best.

When we were preparing the cover photo for the book defining “adventure motorcycling,” we had numerous options for the riding gear the adventure motorcyclist would be wearing. The photographer said, “Let’s make this simple, wear the best.” Thus the cover of ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLIST: FRAZIER SHRUGGED has an image of the rider wearing an Aerostich Darien suit, one that was dirty and well-worn, far from the prettiest we had been offered.

What is the best motorcycle advice or tip you’ve received?
When personal movement by motorized two-wheels ceases to incorporate an element of fun, it’s time to quit.

Learn More About Dr. Frazier:

• https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B003B6TD1C/about
  
• Check out one of his books, in stock now: Adventure Motorcyclist: Frazier Shrugged

	Watch the presentation given by Dr. Gregory Frazier at the Aerostich factory on Friday, July 28th, 2023 as part of the Very Boring Rally 5. (Click to view)