Decluttering my bookmarks, I happened upon Moto and The City. It’s quite possibly one of the best moto videos ever produced. Shot seven years ago, this video was commissioned by Moscow-based clothing-store brand, Fott.
I’m not entirely certain if the brand is still in existence, as its website has been offline for a week. Nevertheless, Fott whilst not being a motorcycling brand can still be credited with creating one of the most engaging motorcycling videos, you will likely have ever seen.
Thrashing Around the Streets of Moscow on a Kawasaki W650
Featuring what looks to be a Kawasaki W650, cameras follow a rider around the streets of Moscow. Clad, in a retro open-face helmet, goggles and a Barbour International waxed cotton jacket – essentially looking ‘the business’ – teeth gritted, the rider assertively shifts, as he filters through busy Moscow traffic.
We’ve All Done It
It’s one of those rides (we’ve all had them) when we’re not necessarily breaking the rules but not necessarily sticking to them either. Just letting off steam.
The shaky cam is deliberate and works incredibly well at capturing the exhilaration of that type of urban ride, from first and third-person perspectives.
It’s the type of ride which has no particular destination in mind but progresses at a pace swift enough, to raise the heart rate and pump the body full of endorphins.
Abruptly Back to the Mundane
The ride ends abruptly, as though that was exactly the correct amount of thrashing around the streets needed.
Pulling up to a Volkswagon hatchback the rider opens the boot (trunk), casually removes his
Adjusting his clothing slightly, he tosses the bag into the back of the hatchback. The engine of the Volkswagon starts as the screen turns black and we’re led to believe, the chap is heading to work, or to do something rather more mundane than the hooligan ride he just had.
Fott, may or may not be in existence anymore – but legend has it that the fictional character in this short video is still thrashing the streets of Moscow to this day.
It’s believed that his morning ride, is the only way that he gets through his day job, dusting organic vegetables with soil, to make them look more organic-ey.
Enjoy the vid.
Moto and the City by Fott
Credit(s):
- Director, Cinematographer & Editor – ALEXANDER KHUDOKON
- Production – STEREOTACTIC
- Assistant Camera – MAXIM TOMASH
- Music – ‘Liars’ by Plaster Casts of Everything [Mute Records, 2007]
