My name is Kari, and I live in Sacramento, California - I love riding and everything it has brought into my life. Outside of motorcycles and “bike life” I also enjoy running, writing, photography, video games, and anything sci-fi.
Who or what got you into riding?
My dad was the first to introduce me to motorcycles. He owned a 1985 Honda Rebel 250, and the first ride that I really vividly remember was a summertime night ride with him on the Rebel when I was maybe ten or eleven years old. It was an amazing, almost sensory-overload experience, and I knew from that moment that motorcycles were going to be in my life. Years later, things finally came together when my husband and I got the idea to ride scooters - we didn’t consider motorcycles at first, but in California, you’re still required to get your motorcycle endorsement to ride a scooter. Once we learned that, we decided “why not go for it, and start with smaller bikes…” The rest is history!
What do you ride? And what does your bike say about you?
My current ride is a Triumph Street Triple 765R LRH (low ride height). It’s a testament to how much I’ve grown and evolved as both a person and a rider. I went from tame Reppy (my CBR250 Repsol design), which was the bike that helped me overcome a lot of anxiety about riding in general, to my former GSX-R600 named Gixxer Spice. The GSXR was a fun, loud, and totally unapologetic bike. It helped to build my confidence and riding skills, but it wasn’t the most comfortable ride. Then, after trying my husband’s Street Triple a handful of times and test riding a Speed Triple, I fell in love with Triumphs and wanted my own. They’re easy to ride, the ergonomics are comfy, and the power is right where you need it. It’s the perfect all-around bike for me.
How does it feel to be a female rider in this male dominated sport/lifestyle?
It’s really exciting. The guys I have met through riding motorcycles have all been very encouraging, but when you make new friends with other women that ride it’s a totally different kind of connection. The women's riding community is incredibly welcoming. More and more women are starting to ride every year, and it’s an exciting and awesome time for us because it feels like we’re showing up and helping to shape the landscape and narrative of motorcycling. Hopefully, it’s also inspiring for those women who are thinking about learning to ride. And when they see other women doing it, [it motivates them as well.]
What is the most memorable experience or most fun you've had since riding?
It’s hard to pick just one! Most rides somehow end up as random adventures. This past summer…I did my first track day and that was the most incredible learning experience. It’s one thing when people say, “You’ll learn in one day on the track, what you’ll learn on the street in five years.” Then it’s another to actually experience it, but it’s true. Going out there was such a big step out of my comfort zone, but it was totally worth it. It was humbling and exciting and slightly terrifying, all at once! It helps that you’re in an environment where everyone is there to learn, have fun, support you, and to help you to become a better and more confident rider. It was a sense of community that was totally unique, and I can't wait to go back next year.
Bonus question: If you can live as one animal for one year, what animal would you be?
Ooh, that’s a good question! Probably a hawk or an owl, or another bird of prey. It would be fun to choose a dog, and lay around and be totally spoiled every day, but that would probably get a little boring after awhile. Plus, you really can’t beat the birds eye view from the sky!
It’s always an honor to get to know more about other female motorcycle riders and we will like to thank Kari for letting us Spotlight her. Baby Kari is the sweetest thing that has came across our site, so thank you for letting us share that! Be sure to follow Kari on Instagram @ Moto.kari, Youtube @ Motokari and for all things MotoKari visit her website www.motokarionline.com
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