The World of Woman Motorcycle Riders is Growing

As little as ten years ago women made up only 3 percent of motorcycle riders. Now women represent 12 percent of motorcycle sales.

Women on two wheels are not only riding, they are leading motorcycle organizations, writing columns for motorcycling magazines, owning motorcycle accessory stores and contributing to motorcycle safety programs. One regional director for the Gold Wing Touring Association is a female.

Motorcycle sales have topped $20 billion and manufactures haven't failed to notice that women make up a significant amount of those sales. Motorcycle designers are focusing on women riders. Kawasaki is one manufacturer with a web page dedicate to women riders. There is an all women national motorcycle rally. Two years ago the town of Gettysburg, PA had two motorcycle rallies a couple of weeks apart. One was women only. Many local motorcycle organizations have women only rides.

Many motorcycle models are built to fit women riders. Women often have shorter inseams. Women tend to have more strength in their legs then men. Taller bikes have a higher center of gravity and are more difficult to handle, particularly at lower speeds. There are several models of motorcycles that have a lower center of gravity, and even though they may look big or heavy they are actually much easier to handle. Many men and women think starting with a small bike is a smart idea, while they learn and gain experience. A poor fitting small bike is actually worse than a much larger bike that does fit properly. Riders need to sit on motorcycles, lots of motorcycles, and see which one fits right. One critical point of fit often overlooked is the handlebars. Does the reach allow your arms to assume a natural position, or do you have to stretch? Another important point is the type of riding you plan to do. If you are going to ride one or two hours after work then pretty much any motorcycle will do. If you plan day trips and weekend rides, fit is by far more important.

Check out the seat. Don't just go with your first impression. Stay seated for several minutes. Some seats feel hard when your first get on the motorcycle, and actually are more comfortable for long durations. Some seats are nice and soft, but become a real problem after a couple of hours.

The position of your legs and feet while riding is one more thing to give thought to before the purchase.

Women motorcycle riders, as well as men, are often concerned about picking up a motorcycle that may fall over. There is a method of properly picking up a downed motorcycle that allows for even the smallest rider to pick up the largest motorcycles.

Women riders often feel like everyone is watching them. After they get used to it that can be a good thing. What starts out to be something that makes a woman anxious turns out to be something to provide a source of pride.

For many riders motorcycling is for the entire family. It isn't rare that all members of the family of legal driving age have their own bikes. Women on two-wheels do attract attention. Loads of people turn and stare. The comments made are almost always positive. When people first see a large group of motorcycles and then realize they are all women riders, they have this strange, deer-in-the-headlights look on their faces.

All motorcycle riders tend to be one large, extended family. They all ride for the same reasons. They all are most willing to "chat" with each other. It's called parking lot time. They compare notes and compliment each other on their bikes.

Women ride for the same reasons men do. The feeling you get while riding is something no one person can articulate to another. It is like being married in that you don't know what it really is until you do it. You get to ride on roads you would normally never be on. You see parts of the country you have never seen before. You get to smell all the smells, not all are pleasurable. The sense of freedom is overwhelming and addictive. You are not just riding through an area, you are a part of it. Your stress melts away. You have to be so focused on the road and riding. You simply can't think of anything that may bother you.

Women have a whole other world available to them. Give it some serious thought. Take advantage of all the motorcycling world has to offer, especially the parts that are just for women. Start trying on motorcycles for size. Don't pick one because of the way it looks or small size. Focus on fit, after you have decided how long your rides will be. Get prepared for fun, freedom and fellowship.