Decluttering my bookmarks, I happened upon Moto and The City created by defunct clothing brand Fott. Nevertheless, Fott, whilst not considered a motorcycle brand, can be credited with creating one of the most incredibly engaging and authentic motorcycling videos you’re likely to ever see.
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 Volkswagen hatchback, the rider opens the boot (trunk), casually removes his gear, deposits it, and then retrieves what appears to be a work bag.
Adjusting his clothing slightly, he tosses the bag into the back of the hatchback. The engine of the Volkswagen 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 not be in existence anymore but legend has it that the 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 he gets through his day job – dusting organic vegetables with soil to make them look more organic-ey.
Enjoy the video.
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]
