Riding a motorcycle is like taking your nose on a wild adventure. You're cruising down the road, expecting to smell nothing except exhaust fumes and perhaps rubbish, when suddenly - bam! - you're hit with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling char kway teow from a nearby coffeeshop.

Heck, you might even catch a whiff of someone's fancy perfume as you zip by. It's like your bike has magical powers, transforming an ordinary ride into a sensory rollercoaster. It's these unexpected olfactory delights that make motorcycling an even more engaging experience than you thought possible.

Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and yes, even tasting things (yikes) are possible on a motorcycle. (Image: Stephen Kidd, Unsplash)

The unexpected scents

As you cruise along, you'll encounter an array of unexpected scents that car drivers often miss. I've caught the tantalising smell of roasting coffee, freshly cut grass, and even 'that smell' you get after it rains.

These make your journey more engaging and memorable. It's not just about the thrill of the ride - it's about immersing yourself in the world around you, one unexpected whiff at a time.

Don't ride while you're hungry – the scent of wok hei will make you feel weak! (Image: Advocator SY, Unsplash)

Once, I was riding along an arterial road, on my way home for dinner, when the smell of fast food (McDonald's fries, in particular) hit me. Was there a delivery rider somewhere in front? Did someone have fries in their car and have their windows open? It was a mystery.

Surprisingly, you'll also often catch unexpected whiffs of perfume in the wind. These random scents add another layer to the sensory experience of riding.

This writer still wonders where the scent of Macs wafted from. (Image: Brett Jordan, Unsplash)

Earthy encounters: Navigating the 'fragrance' of manure

Of course, not everything smells good. The open-air nature of riding allows you to experience a symphony of scents, including the earthy aroma of manure.

While you might wrinkle your nose at first, this pungent smell serves as a reminder that the greenery/landscaping we enjoy requires upkeep in the form of err, plant food.

Indeed, it's a stark contrast to the sterile environment of a car, where you'd likely miss these authentic, albeit sometimes unpleasant, fragrances.

– Jeremy

Main image: Gijs Coolen, Unsplash