Here are the types of motorcycles allowed in DGR
Only a few days to go for this year’s Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride (DGR) and we’re sure that everyone is excited to hop on their steeds while donning their best dapper suites.
While the DGR is a global movement that aims to promote awareness on men’s mental health and raise funds for prostate cancer research, there are some strict guidelines on what type of motorcycle you can ride during the event.
According to the DGR website, “In keeping with the classic lines of vintage-inspired motorcycles, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a niche charity event that focusses on classically designed motorcycles, and dapper gentlefolk riding their bikes through the heart of their cities.”
That said, here are the ALLOWED motorcycles that you can ride if you plan on joining this year’s DGR parade:
Café Racers
Originating among British motorcycle enthusiasts in the 1960s, Café Racers were standard production bikes that were modified by their owners and optimized for speed and handling for quick rides over short distances.
Classic Motorcycle
According to DGR organizers, a Classic Motorcycle is a rare gem that’s at least 35 years old and has stood the test of time. It can be an original (no modifications or restorations) or a bike that has been restored back to the way it was when it first came out from the assembly line.
Modern Classic
These motorcycles are the latest models and pack modern tech, but are inspired by motorcycles of old. The perfect example is BMW’s R nineT range.
Chopper
A chopper is a highly customized motorcycle that employs modified steering angles and lengthened forks for a stretched-out appearance. They can be built from an original motorcycle which is modified (chopped) or built from scratch.
Other distinctive features of a chopper are a small fuel tank and a tall sissy bar.
Brat
If you think that a Café Racer is already trimmed, a Brat motorcycle takes it a little further. Brat motorcycles are stripped down to only the basics, with fenders removed or bobbed, and the fuel tank occasionally replaced by a smaller, older design. The seat is often a flat bench, and the handlebars are either flat or dirtbike-style.
Some might consider Brat motorcycles as a cross between a Café Racer and a Bobber.
Bobber
The term originated from “bob-cutting” the rear of the motorcycle, hence, “Bobber”. Also, like the Café Racer and Brat motorcycles, Bobbers are also “stripped down to basics” kind of motorcycle but is often with fatter tires on the front.
Tracker Bike
This motorcycle has a style similar to those used in classic flat track racing, hence, “Tracker”. These bikes usually have a tail section with a single long seat that curves towards the back along with rear sets or mid controls. Emphasis on keeping the bike’s weight down low is also common on these Trackers.
An example is the Indian Motorcycle’s FTR 1200.
Scrambler
Back in the old days, there were no dedicated motorcycles for off-road use or racing. What riders did back then was to modify standard motorcycles with longer travel suspension and put off-road tires for “scrambling”.
Today, Scramblers are typically big twin-cylinder bikes that can be ridden fast both on and off-road.
Scooter
Though scooters are very popular here in the Philippines, DGR is very particular about allowing only metal-bodied scooters at the event. If you’re riding a classic-styled scooter but with plastic bodywork, sorry but you can’t join the DGR parade.
Side Car
This is not your TODA tricycle. For DGR, it must be any of the motorcycles allowed by the organizers + a sidecar that would match the style e.g.: a vintage Vespa with matching sidecar.
Classic Cruiser
Classic Cruisers are retro-cool machines featuring sleek design, lots of chrome, and a comfortable riding posture.
Modern Classic Electric
If we’re not mistaken, this is the first time that DGR organizers will allow electric motorcycles on the parade, as long as it is classic-styled. Just imagine any of the motorcycles mentioned above but instead of an internal combustion engine, it is powered by an electric motor that is paired with batteries.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa in 2012. It was inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities while raising funds to support the men in our lives.
To date, more than $45 million have been raised by this charity event and more than 500,000 riders have joined its causes.
