There’s nothing quite like riding on the open road and feeling the wind rushing past you. An awesome song can enhance the riding experience and take your sense of freedom to the next level. Whether it’s a heavy rock and roll tune, or a fast-paced jingle that makes you want to speed up, music makes a difference. Everyone has their ultimate riding song and we enjoyed hearing about yours on our Inside Bikes Facebook page. Using your suggestions, we’ve put together the ideal riding playlist.
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf
Malcolm Woodward suggested this cracker and it’s an amazing song to start off with. Born To Be Wild has a rebellious tone that can appeal to any motorbike owner. This iconic anthem celebrates the spirit of wanting to be an individual and not conforming to society. So influential was the song that it appeared in the 1969 film Easy Rider, immortalising it in pop culture forever.
Fuel by Metallica
Fuel describes a high-octane chase that can get a biker’s blood pumping. It’s a heavy metal masterpiece that will inspire you to keep pushing yourself no matter what road you’re travelling on. The lyrics have an angry quality to them that could help you to clear your mind if you’re having a bad day and just want to ride.
Just For Kicks by Mike Sarne
Just For Kicks is an ideal motorcycle song, especially with lyrics such as ‘now the M1 ain’t much fun, till you try and do a ton, a burn up on my bike, that’s what I like.’ It’s a great tune for describing how liberating being on a motorcycle can feel.
King Of The Mountain by Midnight Oil
This song tells the story of an epic road trip that any motorbike enthusiast can relate to. King Of The Mountain uses imagery such as dry grass and pouring rain to paint an isolated environment. You can picture riding along a country road until you reach your destination. It’s also an inspirational song that urges you to become king of the mountain.
Bat Out Of Hell by Meat Loaf
Few songs capture the emotion of riding a motorbike like Bat Out Of Hell does. The track contains themes of purity, freedom and tragedy. The slow quality of the song quickly ramps up into a ballad that ends in a crash.
Writer Jim Steinman insisted the sound of a motorcycle be included in the track and complained to producer Todd Rundgren at the final overdub session when he found it was absent. Rather than using the sound of a real bike, Rundgren played the guitar to simulate the sound. Bat Out of Hell is a haunting song that’s perfect for reflecting on life.
Enter Sandman by Metallica
A motorcycle playlist wouldn’t be complete without Metallica’s signature song. Enter Sandman is an epic tune that will get your adrenaline flowing. The guitar riffs are some of the most impressive of any heavy metal song and it’s been described as a ‘wall of sound’ by lead vocalist James Hetfield.
