Women Heart Hogs

By drodriguez Aug 04, 2007

Motorcycle companies are dreaming up all kinds of new ad campaigns and marketing practices in order to cater to the ever-growing demand of new women riders. Just over the last few years the motorcycle industry has seen an enormous rise in female ownership.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) women who own motorcycles account for ten percent of the entire motorcycle owning population. The MIC also reports that there has been a thirty-four percent increase in women riders in just the five years between 1998 and 2003.

Harley Davidson and many other motorcycle suppliers have changed the size and shape of some of their models to fit with the women who now buy their bikes. They offer models that have narrower seats and stand lower to the ground. Harley Davidson estimates that women will spend about $300 million on Harley bikes in the U.S. this year (and that’s not including gear and clothing).

It is no wonder that motorcycle ads are popping up in women’s magazines, new television shows feature women bikers, and the internet has exploded with support groups, how-to sites, and general news dedicated to women riders. Harley Davidson dealers have even begun throwing “garage parties” where they answer women’s questions and display different models available.

So why the sudden interest? From a recent New York Times article Genevieve Schmitt, who runs WomenRidersNow.com, said that “more women are rising up corporate ladders, women are earning bigger paychecks, more women are remaining single – so they have a say in where their leisure dollars go.”

What do you think of the recent increase of women motorcycle riders?

Could you see yourself owning a “hog” some day?

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Comments

by AsianChaos | CORAOPOLIS, PA

Apr 30, 2008

I learned how to ride about 2 years ago and took my boyfriends Harley out more than he did! It's such an amazing experience to feel the wind at your face and NOT be sitting behind him

by kimberid | Pinehurst, ID

Sep 05, 2007

I started riding a road bike 29 years ago.Then, there weren't many women riding solo. My father was a rider and taught me to ride.my husband alsowas a rider and was the reason I got my own bike. He was so supportive and into having a "partner"to go on trips with instead of a passenger.I have watched the marketing and attitudes change over the years and think it is a truly wonderfull thing. I'm almost fifty and still ride my own bike, however, after a bad crash 2 years ago not as much.Now, I'm into another, pretty much male dominated sport,ATVs ! I live in a rural area ,so I can ride from my yard to public access lands.There are about 6 women that I ride with on a regular basis.My husband and I got our 2nd ATVs at he beginning of last summer and I've put 300 more miles on mine than he has.If you like riding, being outdoors, and just generally adventure, this it it!

by MEANMEOWW | ILLIOPOLIS, IL

Aug 21, 2007

IT IS ABOUT TIME WOMEN TOOK THEIR PLACE ON THE FRONT OF BIKES RATHER THAN THE BACK BEHIND SOME DUDE WEARING A SHIRT THAT SAYS "IF YOU CAN READ THIS THE B---CH FELL OFF" COME ON WOMEN WE ARE BEYOND THAT AREN'T WE. I KNOW THE REASON MORE WOMEN ARE RIDING NOW. WE HAVE FINALLY GIVEN OURSELVES PERMISSION TO DO SO.................WITHOUT A MAN...........OR WITHOUT HIS MONEY! LOL AND SIDES WE ALL LOVE THEM HARLEYS LOL

by tammy | Tallahassee, FL

Aug 09, 2007

I think motorcycles give you a sense of freedom, and excitement. I know of several local groups of women riders, and they do a lot for the community in the way of fund-raising. Ride That Hog!

by amerksfan1 | Rochester, NY

Aug 06, 2007

I would love to have my HOG back, I could get 110 miles to a gallon, gees I miss it

by shellchris | massillon, OH

Aug 06, 2007

i would love to have a trike i think its cool