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I Am Woman, Hear My Bike Roar: Women Bikers of the New Millennium

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It used to be that the only time you ever saw a woman anywhere near a motorcycle, she was on the back of one.  Well, things have changed and there are women of all ages, shapes and sizes riding their very own motorcycles. Female bikers are no longer a rarity on the road, and some women are even becoming experts at working on their motorcycles. Still, it’s tricky finding all the correct-fitting gear and if you’re a novice, you’ll likely want some tips about buying the right bike from pros. Below, you’ll find everything from facts about women bikers and all-female clubs to blogs from which you can gain some invaluable knowledge and inspiration to ride!

The Statistics Say it All

In 1998 only 8% of all motorcycles belonged to women. That number increased to 14% in 2014 and today it’s clear that women bikers are growing in numbers. Among Gen X bike owners, 17% are women and among Gen Y bikers, 18% are women. And they are not just buying cute little Vespas: 34% of women riders are buying cruisers while scooters follow as the second most popular purchase. Female biker-celebrities include Jillian Michaels, Santigold, Queen Latifah and Margaret Cho. These women have empowered other women to get up from the back of the bike and sit up front, maybe even work on their own bikes.

Interestingly, women riders tend to be younger than their male counterparts. Compare the median age of 39 for women versus 48 for men! Not only are women motorcyclists younger on average, but they also tend to do their own bike maintenance. Nearly half are married and have a college or postgraduate degree and they are safer riders than male bikers. Women’s safer riding habits can easily be attributed to the fact that 60% of female riders take a motorcycle safety course versus 42% of their male counterparts, who are involved in 91% of motorcycle crashes.

Women’s Motorcycle Clubs

Over the past three years women’s motorcycle clubs have also brought female riders together who previously rode alone and didn’t know many other women bikers. Even female-only riding groups have come together and there are all sorts of events for women riders, like Babes in MotoLand, Women on Wheels and Dream Roll. Without missing a beat, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Harley-Davidson have begun featuring women in photos and marketing campaigns.

To see which club seems like a good fit for you, just visit their websites:

Motorcycles Are Evolving to Fit Women

Manufacturers like Honda, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha have also been making bikes for shorter torsos and legs, with a nod to women. Harley has also been offering “garage parties” so women can learn basic riding skills. Clothing for riders is changing too, and designers are targeting women more than ever. Even helmets are being designed to fit women better because they have higher cheekbones than men.

Women’s Motorcycle Blogs and Magazines

So, you need a little help getting the courage to buy that bike? Or, maybe you have the bike but are hesitant to go on a road trip alone. You’re never alone if you connect with one or more of the blogs and magazines below. These are great resources and sources of inspiration for thousands of women motorcycle riders all over the country and beyond:

GirlRiders Network

If you want to be a part of a community of female motorcycle riders, you need to visit this blog, which encourages women worldwide. Here you’ll find reviews of important products and interviews with women. You can also keep up on events while learning a few tips about bikes and riding in general.

Chessietales

Marilyn Elmore is a writer, photographer and avid motorcycle rider with 30 years of riding experience. She loves to share local places to ride in Tennessee as well as invaluable tips on motorcycle maintenance. Her photographs are just incredible.

Her Motorcycle

Christine is full of stories about her biking adventures on the road, with and without her husband. She’s also a great source if you’re interested in joining a women’s motorcycle club or if you want advice about gear, gadgets and bikes. She’s also got some great road trip tips and ideas.

Liz Jensen

Liz is not just a motorcycle enthusiast, she has authored a few books, including Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment. You can follow her motorcycle travel guides and eBook series, called Life Lessons, on Amazon. Her articles have appeared in national magazines and many online publications. If you think riding is a spiritual adventure, you’ll love her blog.

Motoress

Vicki Gray has been a motorcycle racer and instructor for nearly 3 decades. She is also one of the founders of “International Female Ride Day.” If you want to hear from a history-making biker chick, you’ll love her writing.

Women Riders Now 

This magazine is an invaluable resource for many female motorcyclists. Genevieve Schmitt gives women the most current motorcycle news and reviews of bikes, clothes and products. You can also see what events are coming up. Schmitt was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 2001 too.

Carla King

King is the author of American Borders Motorcycle Diaries, Stories from Elsewhere: Solo Wanderings on Two and Three Wheels, Motorcycling for Women: How to Choose a Beginner Bike, Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel. Need we say more? If you want inspiration and guidance, you need to visit this blog.

MotoAdventureGal

Alisa is a motorcycle tour guide and journalist. She also gives motivational Women’s Empowerment Tours. She inspires women to get behind the wheel of their very own motorcycles. If that’s what you need to follow your dreams, you’ll want to check out Alisa’s writing.

Women ADV Riders

This online publication connects women riders worldwide. A team of women from all corners of the world work together to inspire women to have motorcycle adventures. They also have articles about gear, bikes, travel and they even have a book club. This magazine has it all for the female biker, so check it out.

Insurance

Make sure to get the right insurance for your bike. While women are generally considered safer riders than their male counterparts, accidents happen even to the most seasoned and careful motorcyclists. Buying Motorcycle Insurance from a reliable and trustworthy carrier is one of the most important things you can do, so contact an Insurance Specialist to get a list of quotes to choose from: 877.774.2868

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements, nor is it intended to 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 and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

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