Can an employer refuse someone employment for riding a motorcycle?

The question is general.But the owner's son (General Manager) said that he didn't want a certain employee to work because he rode a motorcycle to work.We'll call this company, ABC Inc..The employee is a very good at what he does, has no bad rep, and is reliable.I don't get this.The general manager is sort of a d*ck about anything so this doesn't suprise me.But is this legal?Also the employee works for a third party company but his job requires him to be at ABC Inc. since he is contracted with them.The owner,I beleive,doesn't know about this either but, and I stress this,like father like son.

Also the employee's actual company has no regulations on means of transportation.

An employer can refuse employment for a reason that is not otherwise prohibited by law (race, gender, etc.). So they can refuse employment for reasons that they might consider detrimental to the health of the employee (tobacco, drug use, motor cycles). I think you or your friend is out of luck.

legally, I would say yes, he can deny him. One question you heard in every job interview is: do you have reliable transportation? Arguably this employees answer could be no.
weather affects his transportation, and in some cases, weather condiditions warrant a ban on motorcylces from some roads

An employer doesn't have to hire people that have blue eyes. What's that tell you?

Yes they can.

And they can refuse to hire someone who is taller than 6 foot, who drives a Volkswagen, who is named George or for any number of other reasons not protected by Federal discrimination laws.

Take it to Judge Judy.

Legal, stupid reason, but legal. The decision has to be based on criteria like race, religion, age and sex for it to be illegal. Being a d*ck also isn't illegal.

In the US, you can't be discriminated on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin or disability.

But they don't have to hire someone who rides a motorcycle.

I'm guessing this decision has something to do with insurance costs and risks, if the company provides any life or health insurance.