Today I would like to introduce you to Yama Ismaela Luberti (better known as Hari Om Biker). Yama has been an embassador for Rottweiler Motors for some time now and it’s high time you got to know her a little better. We asked Yama a few questions – have fun! 😀
You can find Yama’s Instagram profile linked here on the right. —> Instagram
How and when did you discover your passion for motorcycles?
The real passion was born three years ago. After overcoming a very painful emotional state, I decided to do all the things I had not yet achieved in life. One of these things was to get my motorcycle license. During this dark time, when I was on the road alone as a learner driver, I realized that something was changing in me. My balance was restored. Every time I sat in the saddle, I felt good and fulfilled. Surprisingly, the pain turned into joy, and today I can confirm that this impressive vehicle was fundamental to my healing process. Looking back, I can say that I have always been a part of this world, only it wasn’t me who was the protagonist, but my son, who started riding playfully at the age of four. The game then turned into a great passion, coupled with a lot of talent, which inevitably led him to the desire to start racing. He rode both on dirt tracks (motocross) and on tracks (minimoto) and even won several Swiss championships. At that time, I had little time for myself, as I was very busy with him, not only as a mother, but also from an organizational point of view.
What was your first motorcycle and what does it mean to you?
My first and current bike is the KTM 390 Adventure and its name says it all: “Adventure”! The type of this bike is very important to me, because as a hybrid motorcycle it perfectly reflects what I need: to ride with a spirit of adventure on any route.
Are there other motorcyclists who have inspired you?
In any case! First and foremost the motorcycle traveler Rosie Gabrielle, an extraordinary photographer and videographer of disarming humanity and kindness. Then Charly Sinewan, who keeps me glued to his channels with his tenacity and perseverance to follow the new adventures of his extreme journeys every time. And finally, SoyTribu, one of my favorites, perhaps because he is a motorcycle traveler who documents his trips by interviewing “el pueblo”, familiarizing himself with the peoples and their customs and always analyzing the cultures with a touch of poetry. I call him the ‘poet of travel’.
What were your biggest challenges and successes as a motorcyclist?
As a challenge to have obtained my motorcycle license at the age of 50, and not with just any motorcycle, but with ‘my’ KTM 390 Adventure, which falls into the medium-heavy class.
More than success, a ‘great satisfaction’, which consists of the fact that, according to the examiners, I passed ‘a textbook exam’. That was a real success for me, as I know how difficult it is to pass a motorcycle test in Switzerland.
Have you taken part in any competitions?
No, quite simply because I don’t want to experience motorcycling as a kind of competition with other people. I don’t want to prove anything to anyone but myself. As I am, the bike is a tool that serves to center the authentic encounter with my person, giving me the opportunity to go beyond my limits and become the best version of myself. But it is also a way of life: a Zen state in which I can find peace, balance and awareness.
Have you made any changes to your bike?
No, but sooner or later I’ll change the exhaust, but only because it’s ugly 😁
How do you stay safe on the road and what advice would you give other motorcyclists?
I activate my ‘third eye’ by looking around and trying to anticipate what might happen on the road due to distracted drivers. As a general rule, you should always keep your distance and pay more attention to all drivers who use their cell phones while driving. Trust is good, not trusting is better!
How important is motorcyclist training for you and what resources would you recommend?
Riding a motorcycle is not like driving a car. There are various techniques that you have to learn and that only a teacher can teach you. I have attended many courses to learn how to ride safely on roads, mountain passes and especially on unpaved roads.
How do you get involved in the motorcycle scene?
I don’t take part in rallies, I’m more of a lone wolf and if I decide to ride with someone, it’s because I know the person and have great confidence in them.
What advice would you give to beginners approaching motorcycling?
In addition to lots of practice, you can also take private lessons with competent instructors who can teach you the right tools for safe driving.
How has motorcycling influenced your lifestyle and attitude?
In every respect. For me, motorcycling really is a way of life: one of the most beautiful ways to travel the world.
Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of motorcycling?
As I come from the world of classical ballet, I can’t help but constantly educate myself. I have been practicing yoga and Pilates for several years. I take great care of myself, both internally and externally. I am convinced that constant training to stay in touch with body, mind and soul is essential to avoid psychophysical vulnerability and premature ageing.
Do you have any motorcycle adventure trips planned in the near future?
Yes. A Swiss TV station has suggested that I make a documentary about a future trip of mine, but I can’t talk about it yet.
How do you prepare for longer motorcycle tours and what special equipment or planning do you have at your disposal?
As I said before, my way of traveling is Zen. I hardly ever plan, I prefer to stay in the present. This way of being allows me to be surprised by what comes my way. However, I adapt depending on the season. As far as equipment is concerned, as a minimalist, but also for weight reasons, I only ever take the bare essentials with me. In warm weather, I take four outfits, a tent, a sleeping mat, a hammock and the essentials for preparing food and coffee. When I travel in winter, I prefer to stay in hotels or B&Bs.
Can you tell us about an unforgettable experience on a motorcycle trip in the past?
One spectacular trip was to ride a motorcycle from Switzerland to the Canary Islands and visit Lanzarote, Grancanaria, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa (on foot), as cars and motorcycles are prohibited on the latter.
Do you have any specific destinations or dream routes that you would like to realize in the future?
Travel to India by motorcycle and spend a few months in an ashram in Rishikesh (cradle of yoga). Then I would love to hike through the Himalayas. I would also like to travel to Mongolia, where, according to my maternal family, my great-grandmother came from.
What kind of adventures or challenges excite you when it comes to motorcycle travel?
In any case, unorganized trips. I love moving around in complete freedom, without having to plan anything by deciding on a route. Of course, you have to be prepared to accept the unexpected for this type of travel, but it is also a great opportunity for personal and cultural enrichment. The last trip I made to Sardinia on my motorcycle, first alone and then accompanied by my adventure companion Sergio, was wonderful! Yes, because without having organized anything in advance, we often found ourselves in enchanting and unimaginable places. Personally, I don’t like it when something is planned. I prefer to be surprised, and you only experience surprises when you are in the present moment, because that is the only reality you can really rely on and act on when traveling in this way.