Protecting a Motorcycle the Traditional Way

A modern motorcycle has a number of safety systems built into it to help the rider stay safe, but we all know you’re also at the mercy of the other person and the universe in general. Insurance helps for sure after the event, but what if you need that little extra protection avoiding an accident?

Here in Japan we can also call upon the gods, and get ourselves an O-mamori [守り]. These are small amulets,  commonly looking like small bags, which are purchased from shrines, and intended to bring good fortune or ward off evil and bad luck. The bag usually contains something which has been blessed, for want of a better term – I don’t know what’s in mine since part of the deal is that you don’t open it.

I had an omamori bought for me from a local Shinto shrine, and I now have it safely tied on under my motorcycle seat, to help ward off crazy minivan drivers, Prius drivers, and all the others who seem to forget there are vehicles with less than four wheels. This one then is of the traffic safety or koutsuu anzen variety, and let’s hope it serves its purpose!

An Omamori good luck charm under the motorcycle seat.
An Omamori good luck charm under the motorcycle seat.

3 Replies to “Protecting a Motorcycle the Traditional Way

  1. Fantastic looking bike, Graham. I always come back here to read the latest goings ons. Keep it up 🙂

    1. Thanks Gary – only I had a drone to follow me 🙂 I should get a video done to get some of the engine sounds on here too.

      1. Some tracking shots of your bike with a drone coupled with the stunning Japanese landscape would be awesome! Looking forward to the videos!

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