Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Saturday made an appearance at a biker rally in Ukraine - complete with all-black clothing, leather gloves and a three-wheeled Harley Davidson, the Itar-Tass news agency reported, according to dpa. The 57-year-old leader was cheered by the crowd in the city of Sevastopol, on the Black Sea. "Biking conveys a sweet feeling of freedom," Putin, standing on a stage, reportedly told the bikers from Crimea. "I wish you and your iron horses a long life." Putin had decorated his chrome-lacquered motorcycle with Russian and Ukrainian flags. Since pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych took power in Kiev five months ago, the relations between the two countries have strengthened after years of tensions. Putin has worked on portraying a classic masculine image in the media before. He had previously met with members of the Night Wolves biker club in 2009. He has also been shown fishing without a shirt on and spending time with Belgian action star Jean-Claude van Damme.
