Advice For Women Riders!

Anyone paying attention to motorcycle trends knows that the number of women riding their own motorcycles is on the rise.  Ladies are no longer settling for riding on the back of a husband’s or boyfriend’s bike.  Even though women have been riding motorcycles since the 1950s (check out the Motor Maids, Inc.), their number is growing more with each passing year.

I myself am married to a woman rider.  In fact, my wife (whose father used to race motorcycles in Europe) has been riding longer than I have!  Sharing the experience has enriched our relationship and given us an everyday activity to enjoy.

That being said, motorcycles can still be very much a “man’s world.”  In fact, just the other day, my wife had a man who overheard her talking about motorcycles ask, “So what kind of motorcycle does your husband ride?”  He assumed she was only a passenger and even explicitly told her so.

This assumption can also come from women.  When my wife purchased her first motorcycle here in the States, a woman looked right at me and said, “Good job, David!” assuming I had picked it out for her!  This was amusing to both of us, seeing how I had never heard of the Royal Enfield brand before she got the bike.

So even with your growing numbers, ladies, you are still entering a sport that men have dominated for a long time.

I do want to say, most of my wife’s experiences have been positive with the individuals we come into contact with, and that includes regular contact with some pretty old school bikers.

So here are a few tips on how to hold your own as you get to know this new culture you are now a member of.

Know your bike

If you own a motorcycle, you should be able to talk about it intelligently.  Beyond the make and year, knowing some of the history of your bike shows that you take the sport seriously.  Knowing details like the CCs, whether it has fuel injection or a carburetor, and similar aspects, shows you understand something about your motorcycle.  Also, being able to describe how it handles demonstrates that you are engaged in the riding experience.

Be proud of your bike

Men like to pick on one another about the kind of motorcycle they ride; it is part of our friendly banter. However, if you are not happy with the choice you made, it can become painfully obvious by your responses.  Don’t get defensive, but be prepared to justify your bike choice.  Most riders will respect your choice if you do.

Know other motorcycle types.

Learn about the various other motorcycle styles available.  Understand the fundamental differences between speed bikes, cruisers, street bikes, and other similar types.  When someone finds out you ride, they will typically ask you what kindof bike  you ride, and then tell you about their own bike.  If it’s a motorcycle you are unfamiliar with, there’s never been a better time to learn.  Motorcyclists need little encouragement to talk about their bikes!

I’ve often Googled a bike after these conversations to help me get a better idea of what someone is talking about.

Although there are many women’s riding groups out there, consider finding several groups of men and women to ride with.  This is a great way to meet people and dive deeper into the culture.  For the most part, motorcyclists are bonded by the common experience of riding.  That’s why we are the only ones who wave when we pass each other on the road!  When it comes down to it, male or female, it doesn’t matter.  Respect other riders, and the respect will be returned to you.

My next blog will cover how to ride in a group.

Until then, remember, ride safe, ride smart, and have fun!