"I first saw a cafe racer motorbike online and fell in love with the style," Mr Fairbairn said.

"I always wanted to ride one of those motorbikes, and I took the leap of faith after a trip to Vietnam where I first rode one."

While Mr Fairbairn describes his bike, a Sol Invictus Scrambler, as just a seat and two wheels, with no ABS, cruise control or fancy features, he wouldn't have it any other way.

Mr Fairbairn said the bike, and himself, were far removed from the stereotype of people usually seen on motorbikes.

"Typically when you think of someone on motorbike, it's someone who rides a sports bike, like a Harley Davidson, with leather jackets," he said.

Mr Fairbairn, along with more than 150 other riders will be out of Canberra's roads on Sunday to help change the perception of motorbike riders, as they take to the streets for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride.

The event, now in its sixth year, sees riders of classic or vintage motorbikes dress up in fancy clothes for a group ride, raising money for men's health.

More than 160 people have signed up for this year's event, and raised more than $20,000 so far.

Mr Fairbairn, who took part in his first ride last year and is helping to organise this year's, said the event kept growing.

"I got involved last year after finding out about it at the last minute, and this year there were calls for volunteers, so I put my hand up for the job," he said.

Since starting in Australia, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has spread to more than 500 cities in 92 countries; 94,000 people took part in last year's event.

Mr Fairbairn said the ride was also a chance to open up a conversation about men's mental health.

"Too many men die shy, not wanting to seek help," he said.

"The ride is about getting people to talk to each other and having a support network there for them."

A key element of the ride is the fancy dress and many of the riders dressed to the nines. Mr Fairbairn said his outfit was all planned out.

"I've got an old wool suit which I picked up from an op shop," he said.

For more information: gentlemansride.com

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