It’s a Way of Life - @sallyhadin - Rider Stories

Sallyha Din is bringing a fresh perspective to motorcycling, combining her passion for luxury, beauty, and riding. With a unique approach that blends style and performance, she’s proving that motorcycling isn’t just about the machine, it’s about self-expression, confidence, and embracing the thrill of the road.

From city commuting to long-distance touring, Sallyha has built a riding experience that reflects her personality and values. Through her journey, she’s redefining what it means to be a modern motorcyclist while inspiring others to find their own balance between practicality and passion.

Join us as we explore her story, her bikes, and her insights on riding.

What do you currently ride?

My current rides are the Yamaha R7, which is my go to for city riding. It gets me through the hustle and bustle quickly, making it the perfect urban bike. It was my first bike and I’ve since fitted it with an SC Project exhaust, so it always makes its presence known. It’s a really easy and comfortable ride, which is why I love it.

I’m also lucky to own my Harley Davidson Sportster S, which I completely fell for after having it as a press loan. I ended up buying one and honestly, it’s my show off bike. It’s punchy, fun and an absolute joy to ride. I tend to take the Harley for long distance trips, I even rode it to Paris and the experience was unforgettable.

I also get the chance to test press bikes throughout the year, so I’ve ridden around 25 different bikes recently. Some real standouts were the Triumph Rocket 3 and the Ducati Streetfighter V4, both incredible but not exactly practical for my London lifestyle. Having the chance to experience so many different styles has been amazing. I never thought I’d be into cruisers… and yet here I am, owning one!

Why did you start riding?

Growing up, my family was really into motorsports, mostly cars, but for some reason, bikes just stood out to me. I’m not sure what it was, but they had this pull I couldn’t ignore.

I come from a background where it was expected that I should be into sports, focus less on beauty, and be a little more demure. But as I got older, things didn’t feel like they were going to plan, so I decided to throw in a wild card, and get a bike. Part of me also felt like if I did this, nothing else would really shock anyone. So I went for it… and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I had no idea how much I’d love it, let alone that it would shape my career. Riding has helped me break the stigma in my own head of what a woman should be. It proved to me that I can live life on my own terms, stay true to my beliefs, and do it all my way.

Why do you enjoy riding?

Riding is when I feel the most at peace and the most productive. When I was still learning, I’d say enjoyment meant something different. I found joy in improving, in seeing myself get better, especially since I had no driving experience before. But at times, it was overwhelming too. Looking back now, I appreciate those moments, they remind me how far I’ve come, and that adds to the satisfaction riding gives me.

There was a point early on where, at the start of a ride, I’d feel unsure if this was really for me. But once I pushed past that, it was incredible. Even now, on days when I don’t feel like riding, which does happen, the second I’m on the road… pure bliss.

I’ve ridden over 30 bikes in different places around the world, each experience completely unique. I’ve loved learning new things, finding my style, and surprising myself with what I end up enjoying. Riding isn’t just something I do, it’s a way of life, and I absolutely love it.

What keeps you coming back to riding?

It’s that blissful excitement, hard to put into words. It’s like a moving meditation. In the moment, nothing else matters, and committing to the experience is so rewarding.

Riding has been a huge journey of self discovery for me. It’s taught me so much about how I handle situations because it was completely different from anything I had done before.

Last year, Triumph threw me in the deep end, taking me through the twisties with the advanced group. I had never done anything like it, but I just said yes. At first, it was tough, so tough that at the first stop, I had to ask my partner for advice. But eventually, it clicked. Now, months later, leaning in feels natural, and I’m confident doing it.

That feeling of growth and learning about myself is one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back.

What’s your go-to outfit?

My gear changes depending on what I’m doing, but I like to keep it simple. I dress according to risk, and my riding style adapts to my gear’s level of protection. My go to is my Oxford jeans, super comfortable and solid on protection. But if I’m hitting the track, I swap them for my Dainese one piece.

Style matters to me because biking isn’t separate from who I am. I love my Dainese Lola jacket, it’s gorgeous and I feel great in it. Looking good and feeling safe go hand in hand, especially with my whole vibe being beauty, bikes and everything nice.

One thing I’ve learned about gear is don’t be afraid to experiment. Finding the perfect gloves was a struggle until I realized I need to feel the bike’s buttons properly, game changer. Helmet wise, my go to is the Bell Star. It fits perfectly and gives me full movement, which is a must.

At the end of the day, the right outfit makes a massive difference in how you ride. More protection means more confidence. Simple as that.

What clothing or equipment could you not live without?

Building on the previous question, I’d have to say that good, comfortable gloves have been the most transformative part of my riding experience. That’s why they’re an absolute must for me. Paired with heated grips, they make a world of difference, especially on colder rides.

Secondly, having a helmet you genuinely love to wear can completely change your riding experience. Comfort and fit make all the difference in keeping you focused and enjoying the journey.

Other gear that’s been a game-changer for me includes my Quad Lock for securely mounting my phone for navigation and my Cardo headset for communication and music. These little additions make riding smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable.

What’s your best advice to new riders?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about riding, it’s this, take it at your own pace. There’s no race to becoming a great rider. The key is to enjoy the learning process. Embrace it and you’ll naturally build confidence and skill.

It’s easy to get caught up in ego, chasing the biggest, most powerful bike or feeling like you need to master everything overnight. But riding isn’t about power. It’s about control. It’s about how you learn to use that power and maneuver your bike with confidence. Be patient with yourself. It takes time.

Real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone little by little. The more miles you ride and the more experiences you put yourself through, the faster you’ll improve, sometimes in leaps and bounds. And if you ever hit that stage where you think, Is this really for me? don’t panic. Give yourself about six months, get as many miles under your belt as possible, and see how you feel. I can almost guarantee that moment of doubt will turn into How could I NOT love this?!

And here’s another thing. Never be afraid to ask questions, even if they feel silly. We’ve all had irrational fears, embarrassing drops, and random mishaps. It’s part of the journey, so don’t be too hard on yourself.

Most importantly, find your people. Even if it’s not a group to ride with, having someone to talk to when you need support makes a huge difference. Riding is a journey and it’s always better with a community that gets it.

So take it slow, enjoy the ride and trust the process. You’ve got this.

You can find Sallyha on Instagram, TikTok or her new YouTube channel.