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How Women Motorcyclists Are Changing an Industry

    5 minute read

    As times change, so do women in their quest for freedom and new adventures. The media used to represent women motorcyclists only as those riding as passengers on the back of a man’s motorcycle. However, times are changing. Recently, you may have noticed that more women than ever are riding their own bikes. What was once a novelty is becoming the norm and even a cheaper alternative to car ownership for women motorcyclists.

    With the help of women bloggers and companies like Harley-Davidson, women are now typically considered safer riders than their male counterparts. Some women motorcyclists are also doing their own motorcycle maintenance and repairs. With each generation, the number of women who own their own bikes seems to be growing. In 1998, only 8% of motorcycles were owned by women, but that number went up to 14% in 2014. Among Generation X motorcycle riders, 17% are women. That is one percentage lower than Generation Y riders. Celebrities like Santigold, Queen Latifah, Jillian Michaels and Margaret Cho can also be credited to the rise in female motorcyclists.

    Who Are Women Motorcyclists?

    women motorcyclists

    The most popular type of motorcycle among women motorcyclists are cruisers. In fact, 34% of female riders favor cruisers, with scooters coming in a close second. Women bikers also tend to be younger than male riders. Their average median age is 39 versus 48 for men. These women have fewer accidents and are generally safer riders than men. Also, women motorcyclists take more safety classes. 60% of female riders take a safety class in comparison to 42% of male motorcyclists.

    Honda, Yamaha and even the masculine Harley-Davidson bikes are evolving to fit the needs of women, who have shorter torsos and legs. As riding becomes more popular among women, manufacturers have been designing clothing and helmets specifically for this demographic. Women shopping for a new bike or the equipment to go with it no longer have to try to fit options designed for men. Women motorcyclists can ride more easily and comfortably now than they could in previous years.

    Connect with Other Women Motorcyclists

    Despite the growth in the number of female riders, there are still some women out there who only dream of buying their own motorcycles. Many women are afraid to enter the world of motorcycling. Do you need a little boost of courage or a bit of inspiration to get you started? Luckily, there are lots of all-female motorcycle groups out there.

    women motorcyclists

    Women’s motorcycle clubs have become very visible and popular in the past few years. Female-only riding groups now get together via big events like Babes in MotoLand, Dream Roll and Women on Wheels. Even Harley-Davidson is capitalizing on the growing popularity of bikes among women. Motorcycle companies are also beginning to feature women motorcyclists in photos and advertising campaigns. Some even offer “garage parties” to women interested in learning basic riding skills. If you’re a motorcycle company, then it makes sense to expand your advertising to a growing target market like women riders.

    With all of these women-only events, you have nothing to be afraid of as a new female rider. There are so many all-women’s motorcycle groups out there. You just have to find the right one for you. To help you discover where you belong in the motorcycle world, check out what each female motorcycle club has to offer. We’ve made a list of some of them for you below.

    All-Female Motorcycle Clubs

    Inspiration From Fearless Biker Chicks

    Unsurprisingly, women bikers like to read about other women bikers. Women looking for some courage to get a motorcycle of their own often find the motivation in these blogs, too. Aspiring female riders often feel empowered after reading other women motorcyclists’ stories. There are also female motorcycle blogs out there about everything you can think of. You can find reviews on clothing, accessories, motorcycles and tips on how to care for your bike and yourself.

    The publications below are great resources for both beginners and experienced riders. They are also a great way to connect with other women who love motorcycling.

    Women Motorcycle Blogs & Publications

    Carla King. This blog belongs to the author of Stories from Elsewhere: Solo Wanderings on Two and Three Wheels, Motorcycling for Women: How to Choose a Beginner Bike, and Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel. Carla King is a pro with great advice for novices, as well as those who’ve had their share of motorcycle experiences.

    Chessietales. Marilyn Elmore is not just an avid motorcyclist. She’s also a writer and photographer with 30 years of riding experience. She often documents her experiences in amazing photography on her blog. Her focus is on local areas within Tennessee, as well as motorcycle maintenance.

    Liz Jensen. Liz Jensen is a biker chick and the author of Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment. She also wrote an eBook series called Life Lessons. Her articles appear in national magazines and many online publications. She focuses on motorcycling as a spiritual journey. If that’s your thing, you’ll want to visit her site.

    MotoAdventureGal. Alisa is a motorcycle tour guide, journalist and motivational speaker on Women’s Empowerment Tours. She’s the woman to follow if you need inspiration to get on the seat of your very own motorcycle.

    Motoress. Vicki Gray is a motorcycle racer and instructor for almost 30 years. She even founded “International Female Ride Day.” You’ll be more than inspired by her writing if you’re looking for a nudge to buy your own bike.

    Women Riders Now. Genevieve Schmitt is a one-stop resource for women who want to read motorcycle news and related events. In her blog you’ll also find invaluable reviews of bikes, gear clothes and accessories. Schmitt is yet another history-making biker chick, who was even inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 2001.

    Women Motorcycle Networks

    GirlRiders Network. This network is an international community that encourages women worldwide. Here you’ll also find reviews of important products and interviews with women motorcyclists who are sure to inspire you to get on a bike. This blog is also a great resource if you’re interested in attending events or learning a few tips about bikes and riding.

    Women ADV Riders. Women ADV Riders connects women riders with a team of women from all different parts of the world. Their aim is to inform and inspire women to have motorcycle adventures. They also offer smart reviews about gear, clothing, motorcycles, road trip destinations and more. This magazine is a dream come true for women motorcyclists everywhere.

    Motorcycle Insurance

    While it’s true that women motorcyclists are typically safer riders than their male counterparts, accidents can be unavoidable. You should always be protected with reliable Motorcycle Insurance from a trustworthy carrier. Contact an Insurance Specialist (855) 919-4247 to shop multiple quotes to choose from.

    The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. It should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. Such policy will be governed by the language contained therein.

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