Harley-Davidson Pan America in front of a bale of hay

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

Parisian photographer François-Xavier Watine talks through his love for Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles, and how riding helps him with much more than just getting around Paris…

I divide my time between three distinct activities: my work as a photographer, running my creative agency and managing La Maison de la Maille. In all these roles, the two most important things to me are the results, and how you get them.

When I take photos, it’s not only about getting the shot; it’s also about the experience you live when you create it, whether it’s by meeting interesting people, discovering new places, or even just by spending a nice time shooting. Each photograph tells a story, not just of the subject, but of the journey to capture that moment. Although I am primarily a fashion photographer, I love photographing motorcycles. They are beautiful objects, and some of them are truly works of art. Being around motorcycles, whether capturing their essence or experiencing the thrill of riding, continuously fuels my creativity.

With La Maison de la Maille, it’s not only about having the best possible wool blankets; it’s also about doing it in the most ethical and enjoyable way, ensuring we leave a positive impact. From collaborating with local farmers to producing in the most sustainable way, every step is a reflection of our values. It’s the same when you ride a motorcycle: the result can be the destination, but how you go there is as much, if not more, important.

For La Maison de la Maille, we draw inspiration from our clients’ needs and the technical challenges we face. Our expertise in wool quality and knitting is one of our competitive advantages. Riding motorcycles probably helped me realize that there is always an alternative path, another way to do things. This mindset allows us to be more agile, connected to nature and people, and more authentic, providing a unique experience with our products and helping us stand out against well-established competitors.

What got me started in motorcycling was a short ride as a passenger with a friend in Paris. That ride changed my life and, on that day, I knew I had to get my motorcycle licence. I often compare riding a motorcycle to being an actor, as opposed to being a spectator when you’re driving a car. It’s like skiing: reaching the bottom of the slope is the destination, but it’s not the goal; what matters is the experience. I even have a hard time explaining to myself why it’s so enjoyable. There’s something about the fact that you must be 100 per cent present and in the moment when you’re riding. And of course, especially when you live in Paris, the convenience of riding a motorcycle – avoiding traffic jams and saving hours each week – is unbeatable.

I have three motorcycles, but my daily ride is a Harley-Davidson Pan America Special that I use for commuting as well as longer road trips. It is ideal for commuting through busy Paris; it is so comfortable that you can ride for hours and still arrive perfectly rested; and it is from Harley-Davidson, a truly iconic brand and one that resonates well beyond the motorcycle world – it has influenced the cultural world through music, art, fashion, movies and pop culture in general. In France in particular, it has a powerful, inspiring image synonymous with freedom and positive rebellion.

Harley-Davidson to me has all the features of a luxury brand, which is naturally attractive to me, given my work: a sense of belonging, excellent customer service, high quality and exceptional products. And of course, it’s powered by an engine that lives and breathes. Riding a Harley-Davidson is a sensory experience.

Riding a motorcycle helps me to save time every day, but more importantly, it helps me to naturally relax and focus before any important meeting or photoshoot. And of course, it helps me to have a good time. The act of riding itself is a form of meditation, helping me clear my mind and stay focused, keeps me grounded and provides a sense of balance.

One of my most memorable experiences was a road trip organised by Harley-Davidson and GQ with my friend Dominika Grnova, a model and fellow biker. The concept of the adventure was inspired by Hunter S. Thompson, the author of Fear and loathing in Las Vegas, and his philosophy: “Buy the ticket, take the ride.” This philosophy guided our journey, embracing adventure and the thrill of the unknown. It was the epitome of a dream adventure, where everything fell perfectly into place. We even took the Pan America to the top of the Pic du Midi in the Hautes Pyrénées, a feat I believe no motorcycle had achieved before. It was an incredible experience that combined breathtaking landscapes, great encounters, and the sheer joy of riding. To this day, it’s still the highlight of my motorcycling life.

I used to be hesitant to tell people how transformative and life-changing riding a motorcycle can be, however, I’ve come to realise that the immense joy, freedom, and happiness it brings far outweigh any potential dangers. The sense of adventure, the thrill of the ride, and the connection you feel with the machine and the road are unparalleled.

Nowadays I don’t hold back in sharing my passion with others. I encourage anyone interested to experience it for themselves, as it has the potential to bring a significant amount of pleasure and fulfilment into everyone’s lives. Riding a motorcycle, and particularly a Harley-Davidson, isn’t just about transportation, it’s about experiencing life more vividly and intensely… and you simply cannot put a price on that.

I am a Paris-based professional fashion photographer and owner of a creative agency working for premium and luxury brands such as Dior, Moleskine, Baccarat, Berluti and many others. I am also the co-founder of La Maison de la Maille, a luxury, eco-friendly wool company that knits eco-friendly blankets, throws, shawls and bed runners for some of the best palaces and top interior designers in the world. We also sell online for private clients via LaMaisondelaMaille.com. It’s the perfect gift for people who want to go on a cozy adventure, perhaps even a motorcycle road trip! And last but certainly not least, I love motorcycles and ride a Harley-Davidson Pan America^™.