When I first bought my bike, I knew I didn’t want any major distractions while I was learning. My motorcycle reflects that simplicity; while my odometer is digital, my speedometer is strictly analog. I opted out of creature comforts like headsets or phone holders because, for me, the lack of tech allows me to truly focus on the road ahead—the sights, the smells, and the “feels.”
However, even without a headset, I’m never riding in silence. I grew up listening to everything from classical to death metal, and while I’m not always great with lyrics, I constantly have a chorus or a great line humming through my head. I thought I’d share the songs that make up my personal motorcycle riding playlist, as these are the tracks that keep me company on every journey. I hope these songs find a place in your rides, too!
The Anthems of Independence
“It’s My Life” – Bon Jovi
I’ve been a Bon Jovi fan since elementary school, but this track is a mandatory addition to any motorcycle riding playlist. It was released right as I was graduating college and learning to grab the reins of my own life. I’ll never forget the first time I felt comfortable hitting 50mph; the joy was overwhelming. All the doubts from the naysayers vanished the moment I started singing, “I just wanna live while I’m alive.”
“Blue Jeans” – David Dundas
This is my “feel-good” song. Whether I’m riding with Jason or Jenn, or just heading out on a sunny (or slightly rainy) day, I can’t help but smile while singing about pulling on my blue jeans and heading out.
Leaning Into the Elements
“Against the Wind” – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Living in a windy town with open spaces makes this one a necessity. On my first long trip to the mountains—riding 60mph against heavy crosswinds—I kept looping a modified version in my head: “Riding against the wind.” There’s something incredibly satisfying about leaning into a headwind.
“Wide Open Spaces” – The Chicks
There’s a certain sense of adventure that comes with seeking out new roads, and this song perfectly captures my “gypsy heart.” I remember the first time it popped into my head—I was on my first solo ride, navigating winding, hilly farm roads without a map or a destination. It’s a bittersweet addition to my motorcycle riding playlist; as a mother, it reminds me of my daughter heading off to college soon to find her own “wide open spaces,” but as a rider, it represents the pure freedom of the open road.
The “Instructional” Tracks
“Hold on Loosely” – 38 Special
I actually use this song as a mental safety checklist! During my MSF class, I started singing it to remind myself of the mechanics: front brake, rear brake, downshift… and most importantly, hold on loosely so I don’t stall the bike. It’s a habit that stuck. Now, every time I approach a stop sign, this track plays in my head, making it the most practical song on my motorcycle riding playlist.
“Three Little Birds” – Bob Marley & The Wailers
Riding is my ultimate form of therapy. When I’m on my bike, the “noise” of daily life—bills, grocery lists, and general stress—simply fades away. I’m forced to be 100% present in the moment. Bob Marley’s gentle reminder that “every little thing gonna be alright” is the spiritual anchor of my motorcycle riding playlist. It reinforces that mental and spiritual clarity that only two wheels and a open road can provide.
Honorable Mention: The “Cold Weather” Medley
The Music of Les Misérables
Every motorcycle riding playlist needs a backup plan for when things go south! I recently found myself on a mistakenly chilly ride (the kind where the weather report says 45-degrees and you miss the part where it says “feels like 29-degrees”). As the wind started biting through my gear, I ended up cycling through the entire Les Mis soundtrack just to keep my mind off my frozen fingers. While “Master of the House” was a bit too upbeat for the misery of potential black ice, the dramatic choruses definitely helped me stay focused until I made it safely back to my warm garage.
Conclusion: What’s in Your Head?
Whether you have a high-tech Bluetooth setup or you’re like me—singing to yourself inside your helmet—music is the heartbeat of the ride. What songs are non-negotiable for your motorcycle riding playlist? Drop your favorites in the comments below, and maybe I’ll add them to my next adventure!
Resources & Further Reading
If you enjoyed this look into my motorcycle riding playlist, here are a few resources to help you stay safe and inspired on your own journey:
- Improve Your Skills: Whether you’re a new rider or just need a refresher, check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for courses and safety tips.
- Stay Safe on the Road: For the latest in gear safety and road awareness, visit the NHTSA Motorcycle Safety portal.
- More Riding Tunes: Looking for even more inspiration? Check out RevZilla’s Common Tread Spotify Playlist for a massive collection of rider-approved tracks.
- From the Blog: Don’t forget to read my previous post on Why I Ride and What Does Blithe on a Bike Mean to see how my journey began!
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