Marco Bezzecchi on Scooters vs. Indonesian Riders: “They’re Much Better; I Use to Try Modifications on My Scooter”
In the world of motorsports, it’s common to hear riders praise the talents of fellow competitors or discuss their intense training regimens, but it’s not every day that a professional MotoGP rider openly admits being outclassed by regular citizens on scooters in a distant country. That’s precisely what Marco Bezzecchi, one of the rising stars of MotoGP, recently expressed during a candid interview when he compared his skills on a scooter to those of everyday Indonesian riders. With a hint of humor and humility, Bezzecchi acknowledged, *“They’re much better,”* referring to the incredible scooter culture in Indonesia, where maneuvering through dense traffic is a daily challenge mastered by millions. The Italian rider even shared how he used to tinker with scooters back home, trying various modifications to perfect his ride.
This statement, although surprising, speaks volumes about the unique scooter culture in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, and its stark contrast to the more leisure-focused scooter scene in Europe. Bezzecchi’s remarks open the door to a fascinating exploration of how scooters, which are seen as casual, everyday vehicles in many parts of the world, have evolved into vital tools for navigating the urban landscapes of countries like Indonesia. For Bezzecchi, an elite racer accustomed to pushing high-powered motorcycles to their limits, this might seem like a playful admission. Still, it offers insight into the distinctive skills required to thrive in a bustling, chaotic environment where scooters reign supreme.
A Clash of Cultures: European vs. Southeast Asian Scooter Riders
Bezzecchi’s remarks shed light on the cultural differences in scooter usage. In much of Europe, scooters are often viewed as a secondary form of transportation—practical, convenient, and perhaps a bit more stylish than cars for city commutes. Italians, like Bezzecchi, have long embraced the scooter, thanks in part to iconic brands like Vespa, which have symbolized freedom and urban mobility since the mid-20th century. For many European riders, scooters are used for leisurely rides through narrow streets, often in scenic environments.
Indonesia, however, is a different story altogether. The country has one of the largest populations of scooter riders in the world. In cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali, scooters are not just a convenience; they are a necessity. With heavy traffic congestion, unpredictable road conditions, and narrow alleyways (called *gangs*), scooters are often the only feasible mode of transportation. For the average Indonesian, riding a scooter through crowded streets and weaving in and out of traffic at all hours of the day is simply part of life.
Bezzecchi’s lighthearted comment, acknowledging that Indonesians are “much better” on scooters, isn’t merely about technical skill—it’s an acknowledgment of the unique conditions that shape the scooter culture in Indonesia. Navigating dense traffic, dealing with pedestrians, and avoiding countless other vehicles, all while carrying heavy loads or even multiple passengers, is something most European riders rarely experience. For the Indonesian scooter rider, daily commuting is akin to a masterclass in two-wheeled agility and endurance.
A Rider’s Perspective: Bezzecchi’s Early Days with Scooters
Long before Marco Bezzecchi became a household name in MotoGP, he, like many other professional racers, cut his teeth on two wheels at a young age. In Italy, scooters are a common starting point for many aspiring riders. Bezzecchi recalls fond memories of riding his scooter through the streets of his hometown, Rimini, a city known for its rich motorsport culture. While MotoGP demands high levels of precision, speed, and focus, the scooter scene offers a different kind of thrill—one that Bezzecchi says he still cherishes.
“Growing up, scooters were always a big part of my life,” Bezzecchi said in the interview. “I used to try different modifications on my scooter, tweaking it to get that perfect feel. I wasn’t racing, but there was always that itch to improve, to make it faster, or handle better.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many young riders across Italy and Europe, where scooter culture often revolves around self-expression and customization. Bezzecchi, like many of his peers, found joy in experimenting with his scooter, adding new parts, adjusting the engine, or tweaking the suspension. This hands-on approach not only gave him a better understanding of mechanics but also fed his passion for speed and performance—an essential quality for anyone with dreams of racing at the highest level.
However, while Italian riders like Bezzecchi often approach scooters as a way to explore their mechanical creativity, for many Indonesian riders, the modifications they make are out of necessity. The high humidity and frequent rain, combined with rough road conditions, mean that many scooters in Indonesia are constantly in need of upgrades and repairs. Riders often modify their scooters to enhance durability, improve fuel efficiency, or increase carrying capacity, as many scooters are used for business purposes, transporting goods, or serving as family vehicles.
Indonesian Mastery of Urban Chaos
So, what exactly makes Indonesian riders so skilled in Bezzecchi’s eyes? The key lies in how they handle the chaos of urban traffic. Cities like Jakarta are known for their notoriously congested streets, where cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians jostle for space in a seemingly unending ballet of near misses. For an outsider, riding a scooter in these conditions may seem daunting, but for locals, it’s second nature.
In Indonesia, scooters are not just tools for personal transportation; they are the lifeblood of the city. Whether it’s the *ojek* (motorcycle taxi) drivers who zip through alleys to deliver passengers to their destinations or the food delivery workers who brave torrential rains to bring meals to customers, scooter riders have developed a unique sense of timing, spatial awareness, and instinct. They have an almost sixth sense when it comes to navigating traffic, knowing when to swerve, when to accelerate, and how to anticipate the movements of the thousands of vehicles around them.
This level of skill, according to Bezzecchi, is something that even MotoGP riders can admire. While racing at speeds of over 300 km/h around a track requires immense talent and concentration, dodging potholes, pedestrians, and fellow scooter riders in the middle of Jakarta’s traffic jams demands a different kind of expertise.
“I’ve ridden in cities with traffic before, but in Indonesia, it’s like a whole new world,” Bezzecchi laughed. “The way people handle scooters there—it’s incredible. You really have to be on your toes. I think every rider could learn something from watching how they do it.”
The Global Scooter Phenomenon: More than Just Transportation
Bezzecchi’s remarks may have been lighthearted, but they reflect a broader truth about the role scooters play in different parts of the world. In Europe, scooters are often a stylish and efficient means of transportation, favored for their eco-friendliness and convenience in navigating narrow streets. In contrast, in countries like Indonesia, scooters are a fundamental part of everyday life, used not just for commuting but for everything from family outings to small businesses.
The contrast between these two scooter cultures highlights the adaptability of this humble vehicle. While Bezzecchi’s MotoGP machines are highly specialized and designed for maximum speed and performance, scooters embody versatility. In one part of the world, they may be seen as a trendy, urban accessory, while in another, they are an essential, all-purpose workhorse.
Bezzecchi’s comparison of his skills with those of Indonesian riders is a reminder that mastery on two wheels takes many forms. Whether it’s tearing through a MotoGP circuit or deftly maneuvering through a bustling city, both require immense talent and dedication.
A Lesson in Humility and Adaptability
Marco Bezzecchi’s admission that Indonesian riders are “much better” on scooters may come as a surprise to those who see him as an unbeatable force on the race track. However, it’s a testament to the varied forms of riding expertise that exist around the world. While he may excel at high speeds, Bezzecchi recognizes that navigating the unpredictable streets of Indonesian cities requires a unique set of skills—skills honed by millions of scooter riders every day.
By sharing his own experiences with scooters and his admiration for the Indonesian riders, Bezzecchi offers a refreshing perspective on the world of two-wheeled transportation. It’s not just about speed and power; sometimes, the greatest skill is simply the ability to adapt to whatever the road throws your way—whether that road is a world-class racetrack or a crowded city street.
