Opposite lock is a term used in the field of motorcycle.

For example, when you turn around a corner riding on a bicycle or a motorcycle, you can slightly turn the steering in the direction opposite to the curve before entering the corner. That’s what we call the opposite lock steering. Meanwhile, I hear someone use this term while we are working together, saying, “Tamura-san, you are trying to use the opposite lock.”

When I work on motorcycle design, I often go see well-known models developed in the past, because I believe that provides precious opportunities for me to learn about the outcomes of our predecessors’ creative efforts and their definitions about their works. That said, as long as I follow in their footsteps, I can’t help but have a sense of déjà vu and feel something is missing.

In my creation process, I start to think what I’m feeling now is different from the things in the past, which sometimes results in my coming up with unexpected ideas. I feel that’s the moment for me to create something new in myself. I also believe such emotion presents me a challenge for establishing a new definition. 

Back to the theme of the “opposite lock,” people reportedly do this on a routine basis but most of them remain unaware of what the are doing. In my case, if seen from a distance, I may seem to be using the opposite lock. The truth is, I am trying to go around a corner as usual.

Jun Tamura

Product Design Dept.

Senior Director