Did you know the fastest growing segment of motorcycle owners in the country wears skirts?
I live in Harley country so seeing women on the back of souped up hogs is nothing out of the ordinary. But for others watching dozens of biker babes—driving—not riding on the back of motorcycles is quite a sight. (At least it was for my mother who was born and raised in Hawaii.)
If you think the experience was unique for my mother think about how the chicks on those bikes must feel. Twenty years ago 90% of motorcycle owners were men. These days motorcycle riding has gone co-ed and the ponytails you see blowing in the wind aren’t always attached to a bearded, burly boys.
According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the number of female bikers has jumped 35% in the last ten years. The group notes that the number of women who own motorcycles has also surged in the last decade. What’s more, recent studies show more than a third of the people who take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course are women.
The numbers could be attributed to the fact that many motorcycle dealerships often run promos where the “learn to ride” classes are free with the purchase of new wheels. In addition, the past decade has seen major changes in biking equipment. Many companies now design female-friendly motorcycles with lower seats, “easy clutches” that use less muscle power to operate, handlebars that aren’t placed as far apart, and footpegs that are set closer together.
The introduction on new biker babe accessories have also helped fuel the growing trend of female riders. Manufacturers looking to encourage women to rev up on two wheels are flooding the market with gear designed specifically to fit females. That’s in stark contrast to 15 years ago when female bikers were forced to shop in stores that featured biking gear exclusively for men and many women made do with the smallest sizes available.
Personally, I have never felt the need for speed on a motorcycle. I’ve ridden a couple of times… on the back of one… squeezing the stuffing out of the guy who was driving… with my eyes closed and my teeth clenched…
According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, today’s typical female motorcycle owner is about 40-years-old, married, with a well paying job.
Does that sound like you?
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