There are four million women Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders. I learned to ride on a 250 Suzuki and last year graduated to a 650 Suzuki Savage. Because the Harley's are SO BIG, I said that when I grow up, I will get my Harley.
Being short in height and short limbed, I was hesitant to go Harley. That was until I sat on the new Harley Nightster while taking a break during the July 2007 Women in Motion ride at Dubuque Harley Davidson and again during the same ride at LaCrosse Harley Davidson. The moment I sat on the bike, I knew I found my Harley.
I came home and called every Harley dealer in the area looking for one. They are a hot item and hard to find. When I called West Bend Harley Davidson, I was told they were unpacking an 08 Nightster. That 08 Nightster is now mine and due for the 1,000 mile check-up.
My husband rode a motorcycle while he was in high school and while he was in the Air Force. Together we got Harley Fever during the 95th Harley Anniversary. He got a Harley 883 Sportster, and quickly moved to the Harley Ultra Classic. The Ultra is a touring bike and the biggest bike Harley makes. It is very comfortable and I have enjoyed the back seat on many group rides. We have visited many states and made a lot of friends over the years on the rides. This year on the group ride I enjoyed the attention that my 08 Nightster drew.
My hesitance to go big Harley is not shared by all women. I see women, including women short in height riding the big Harleys. The Women in Motion ride is a great place to see women of all shapes and sizes enjoying Harleys. The Women in Motion ride is a fundraiser ride for Accident Scene Management. Accident Scene Management provides A Crash Course For The Motorcyclist and others, teaching what to do at an accident scene until assistance arrives.
Motorcycling is all about safety first. I highly recommend the motorcycle training classes at the technical schools and at the Harley dealers. Motorcycling has a reputation of danger. My advice is do not get on a bike without a safety class. With the proper training, motorcycling is a very safe and very enjoyable experience.
After I took the motorcycle class, I insisted that my husband take the class, even though he was a seasoned rider and rode as a youngster. He took the advanced class and I continued to hound him until he took the beginner class. Of course, he aced the beginner class; however, he was pleasantly surprised with the class. The info in the class is amazing. Because we have both taken the class, we have the same frame of reference about riding behaviors and driving defensively. We immensely enjoy riding together.
I know there are a few riders out there with excessively loud pipes and wild, dangerous maneuvers. That disappoints me. However as in other parts of life there is the small percent that have disrespectful behaviors.
The Christian Science Monitor reports:
“Harley has been marketing to women since the turn of the 20th century, but these days, there are fewer barriers to break through. The profile of Harley riders in general has changed, riders say, making old stereotypes passé: Harley rallies aren't crowded with tattooed, pierced, leather-clad rebels – riders are just as often doctors, lawyers, accountants. ….there are so many of them (female riders). Explanations vary – increasing gas prices, more disposable income or women's empowerment – but female motorcycle ownership grew at almost double the rate of general motorcycle ownership between 1998 and 2003, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Women make up more than 18 percent of solo riders. They also make up 12 percent of Harley motorcycle sales – triple that of 1990. Meanwhile, the average age of riders has jumped to 41.”
Here is the Christian Science Monitor article.
Even the New York Times has written about Harley’s appeal to women:
"Few companies, though, are doing more than Harley in reaching out to this group. Its dealers hold frequent garage parties for women, to let them learn about bikes, including the best way to stand up a 750-pound motorcycle that has tipped over (crouch down, with the small of your back against the seat, and push up and back while holding onto the bike).
The efforts are paying off, though slowly. About 12 percent of all Harley motorcycle sales are to women, roughly 32,000 new bikes in 2006, compared with 4 percent in 1990, 9 percent in 1998 and 10.6 percent in 2003. Women will spend about $300 million on Harley bikes this year in the United States, not including accessories, riding gear and clothes. 'I think 12 percent is just the beginning,' said Jerry G. Wilke, Harley-Davidson’s vice president for customer relationships and product planning. 'The opportunities to cater to women are endless, and we will continue to do more.'"
Here is the New York Times article.
So, don’t be surprised the next time you see a woman on a Harley. It just might be me.
