And while going on rides by yourself can be fun, having a group of friends to share your experiences with is even better. This is why she enjoys leading Throttle Riot, a social community for Malaysian motorcycle enthusiasts.
Throttle Riot was founded in 2014, after Raja Susrina and her friends decided to start their own motorcycle club. What made their group immediately stand out was that it welcomed both men and women as members, when most other motorcycle groups are exclusive to one gender.
“It can be challenging sometimes, because the world of motorcycles is very male-dominated,” she told FMT. “I’ve had members who became very upset when they discovered I was a woman.”
She stood her ground, however, and won her detractors over. Now, Raja Susrina has been the president of Throttle Riot for close to seven years.
According to the 37-year-old, it is a misconception that women are not interested in vintage motorcycles, as evidenced by the makeup of Throttle Riot’s membership. She herself owns a Triumph Thruxton 900 and a KTNS GP 125.
Throttle Riot currently stands about 40-people strong, with members from all across Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Ipoh. Membership is open to anyone, regardless of background or culture; the only requirement is a love of motorcycles.
“Throttle Riot has opened so many opportunities to have group rides and trips. Exploring new roads, going down scenic routes, and reaching new destinations with your fellow riders is exhilarating, and adds a sense of adventure to the riding experience,” Raja Susrina said.
To that end, the club frequently organises weekend rides, excursions, and community service missions, and sells merchandise for motorcycle lovers.
During Hari Raya and Christmas, the club conducts programmes aimed at helping orphans and the less fortunate. Throttle Riot has also collaborated with brands such as Castrol, Elf, Givi, and Shell on events.
One of its greatest achievements was a 2019 trip to India, where the members travelled to Khardung La, often considered the highest motorable pass in the world.
In 2017 and 2022, Throttle Riot organised “Moto & Gincu”, aimed at female motorcycle lovers in conjunction with International Women’s Day. Highlights included talks on how to ride safely, and what to do in case of breakdowns.
The club further organised “Escapeburg” last year, a ride-and-camp journey to Kuala Mu in conjunction with Tourism Perak, in addition to a trip from Jakarta to Bali.
And now, one of Throttle Riot’s biggest projects is right around the corner: the global Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), which will see vintage motorcycle lovers riding through the streets of downtown KL while dressed dapperly to raise money for a good cause.
The two-day event this weekend will also feature vendors, artists, live performances and other fun activities – all in a bid to raise US$5,000 (RM22,500) for men’s health and prostate cancer research.
Automotive enthusiasts who own classically designed motorcycles are encouraged to sign up for the ride on Sunday.
Looking to the future, Raja Susrina said she hopes to expand Throttle Riot’s membership base and increase its presence in the community while connecting with other biking clubs and organisations.
Also on the agenda is improving public perception, given how “biker groups” often have a bad reputation owing in part to frequent negative portrayals in the media.
“There are different types of motorcycle groups, each with its own culture,” she pointed out. “We as Throttle Riot are interested in contributing to society.”
And with social and fundraising events such as DGR, Raja Susrina is indeed proving that Throttle Riot talks the talk and, well, rides the ride.
To participate in the DGR Kuala Lumpur, please fill in this form. Those who take part in the ride will receive more detailed instructions upon signup.
For further information, contact Throttle Riot via Facebook and Instagram. Also check out the official Gentleman’s Ride website, and follow DGR on Facebook and Instagram.
‘The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Kuala Lumpur’
When:
Saturday and Sunday (May 20 & 21), 10am-10pm
Where:
Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre,
2, Jalan Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur
Entry fee:
RM15 for riders, otherwise free admission