But yesterday, the classic and vintage motorcycles that rumbled along the Esplanade had riders dressed in tweed suits, with crisp and clean shirts, ties, cravats and even cheesecutter hats beneath their helmets.
The surprisingly sophisticated gang were the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club, who were out on a ride to help raise funds for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health programmes.
Among the cultured crew was Scott Easton, 63, of Dunedin, on his Royal Enfield GT Continental Cafe Racer.
He said he was now at the age where he went for regular prostate checks, and highlighting prostate cancer benefited everybody.
‘‘It makes everybody else aware of what needs to be done.
‘‘I’ve got a few friends who have suffered from it - one died - so it’s close to my heart.
‘‘And you just never know if it could affect you. Fingers crossed it doesn’t.’’
He said men across the world rode motorcycles yesterday to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.
The ride originated in Sydney 15 years ago and, to date, had raised more than $100 million for charities worldwide.
‘‘It’s hugely important and, as you can see, most of the riders here are probably around that age limit where it starts to get a bit of a concern.’’
Mr Easton was among about 50 riders in the event, and they raised about $2500 towards this year’s global total.
Formerly of Ayr, in Scotland, he said he had been riding motorcycles since he was 15, and now he was living in New Zealand, his passion for riding had multiplied.
‘‘New Zealand has some wicked roads - absolutely wicked roads.
‘‘I can’t stop riding them. Any opportunity to do a group ride is a good day.’’
While his dad’s tweed jacket was no longer part of today’s fashion, he felt ‘‘dapper’’ wearing it, Mr Easton said.
‘‘One has to be dressed accordingly, you know, if one is going out.
‘‘Dress up and look dapper.
‘‘My father wore this jacket, scarf and cravat back in the ’50s.
‘‘If I wear it long enough, it’ll come back into fashion sooner or later. I could become the new trendsetter.’’
