Motorcycling Tunes

Nowadays, it is easier than ever for the motorcycle tourer to enjoy some tunes when biking. Many of the big tourers have had sound capabilities for years, and the bulky CD changers have now been replaced by iPod docks, shedding some pounds and offering you a wider selection of music on the road.

I find that not all roads are conducive to listening to music. When I hit a seriously twisty mountain pass, I do not want a single distraction. Open the throttle, break hard, accelerate out of the turn...That's all my mind wants to concentrate on. Even if I do have music on, it fades into background noise.

However, on a hot Sunday afternoon when I'm tired and have 3 hours left on a boring, straight road before getting home with the sun in my eyes, a decent soundtrack to sing along badly to helps the road fly past. I don't have a sound system on the bike itself, but an iPod and some in-ear buds work just fine (although you have to be careful putting on the helmet).

In order to come up with the ultimate playlist, I have been pondering my favorite biking songs. Here's an initial attempt. I'll put the playlist on the iPod, go for a ride and see how it works out.

1. Wherever I may roam - Metallica

This is the perfect song to put on when heading out in the morning. It captures the spirit of being a lone traveler on the open road, and is heavy enough to give you a decent wake-up call.


2. All these things that I've done - The Killers

As I mentioned, I like a good sing on the road, and there are few better than this one. When you're wearing a helmet and going 100mph, no one can hear you sing. Unless you accidentally leave the bike comms switched on...

3. Gimme all your lovin' - ZZ Top

By now I'm getting relaxed and enjoying the feeling of being properly out of the city, and looking forward to the rest of the trip. And nobody captures that feeling better than ZZ Top. Blues-based rock 'n roll that doesn't take itself too seriously. The video is super-cheesy, just as it should be.





4. Short skirt/Long jacket - Cake

This song is probably best known for being used in the theme music to "Chuck". A bit more relaxed than the previous, since I'm settling in for a long ride here and don't want to get caught speeding more than is absolutely necessary.

5. Anything by Modest Mouse

Following the mellow vibe of Cake, I'll listen to two or three by Modest Mouse. Perhaps not a band that is usually associated with the helmet and engine crowd, but one of the finest acts I know.

6. Running down dream - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Most things by Tom Petty make good travel music (just like CCR).

7. Muse - Several tracks from Black Holes and Revelations

8. George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Once again some blues-rock, which you really cannot get enough of. "One bourbon, one scotch and one beer" and "Bad to the bone" (among many) make great sing-along tunes.


9. More Metallica

And why not? Maybe "For whom the bell tolls" - perhaps my favorite Metallica song.

10. Roadhouse Blues

An essential song for the road (on the bike or in the car), the scandalous omission of which was pointed out by my readers.