Women, like men, can enjoy riding motorcycles for a variety of reasons. Motorcycling offers a thrilling experience, allowing riders to feel a sense of adventure and excitement. The adrenaline rush of riding a powerful machine and maneuvering through different terrains can be appealing to women who enjoy seeking out new experiences and challenges. Also, they find a supportive and inclusive community of fellow riders where they can connect, share stories, and form lasting friendships.
Motorcycle Types Preferred by Women Riders
Women’s preferences for motorcycles can vary greatly based on personal taste, riding style, and intended use. However, there are a few motorcycle types that tend to be popular among women riders:
Cruisers
Cruisers are often a popular choice among women riders due to their comfortable riding position, lower seat heights, and stylish designs. These bikes provide a relaxed and laid-back riding experience, making them suitable for both short trips and long journeys.
Sport Bikes
Some women are drawn to the agility, speed, and performance of sport bikes. These motorcycles are designed for high-speed riding and can offer an adrenaline-filled experience. Sport bikes typically have a more aggressive riding position and are favored by those who enjoy spirited riding and track days.
Adventure Bikes
Adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular among women riders, thanks to their versatility and capability for both on-road and off-road adventures. These motorcycles feature a more upright riding position, enhanced suspension, and rugged design, making them well-suited for long-distance touring and exploring various terrains.
Standard/Naked Bikes
Standard or naked bikes offer a balanced combination of comfort, versatility, and agility. They have an upright riding position, making them suitable for commuting, city riding, and weekend getaways. These bikes can appeal to women seeking a practical and all-around motorcycle.
Scooters
Scooters are often popular choices for women riders, particularly in urban areas. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offer practicality and fuel efficiency for commuting purposes. Scooters come in various sizes and styles, catering to different preferences and needs.
It’s important to note that these preferences are generalizations, and individual choices can vary. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a motorcycle that suits an individual’s riding style, comfort, and personal preferences, regardless of gender.
Women’s Motorcycle Riders that Contributes to the Motorcycling Community
There are several popular women motorcycle riders in the United States who have gained recognition for their skills, achievements, and contributions to the motorcycling community. Here are a few notable examples:
Leslie Porterfield: Leslie Porterfield is a renowned American motorcycle racer and land-speed record holder. She became the fastest woman on a motorcycle in 2008, setting a record speed of 232.522 mph (374.208 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Gloria Struck: Gloria Struck is a legendary figure in the world of motorcycling. She has been riding motorcycles for over 70 years and is considered a pioneer for women riders. Struck has been involved in various motorcycle clubs and organizations, inspiring generations of female riders.
Jessi Combs: Although she tragically passed away in 2019, Jessi Combs was a well-known figure in the motorsports community. She was a talented motorcycle racer, fabricator, and television personality. Combs was involved in numerous racing events and set several speed records on motorcycles.
Carla King: Carla King is an author, adventurer, and motorcycle enthusiast. She has undertaken multiple long-distance motorcycle journeys, including a solo ride around the world. King has written books about her travel experiences and actively promotes motorcycle travel and adventure.
Erika Cobb: Erika Cobb is a popular motorcyclist and influencer known for her vibrant personality and love for motorcycles. She shares her passion for riding through social media platforms and encourages more women to join the motorcycling community.
Here are some Women Motorcycle Riders that we have told stories about:
Shekelia Bussey: Shekelia has devoted her career to teaching safe riding. She quit her job in accounting in 2018 to focus on her work as a motorcycle instructor for the United States Navy. And, at the beginning of March, she held the grand opening for her own riding academy, called Moto Mob.
Pat Jaques: Jacques has also focused on understanding the ways that women’s bodies are different from men’s and how to find teaching and riding techniques that cater to those differences and give her clients an optimal experience on their bikes.
Steph Jeavons: She guided a group of women on bikes in Tibet to the base camp of Mt. Everest. She was there to get them through the hard parts, and she got to experience another one of the world’s most beautiful places. Her book, Home by Seven, was released on September 3, 2020, and tells the story of her journey across the continents on her motorbike.
Lisa Thomas (2 Ride the World): Lisa and Simon Thomas, decided to embark on a motorcycle adventure of a lifetime around the world. The COVID pandemic has drastically changed the Thomases’ plans for 2020. Plans to lecture and instruct thousands of would-be adventurers at the Overland Expo. But Lisa as a female rider, have ridden further continuously than any woman in history, which is over 500,000 miles and counting.
Genevieve Schmitt: Genevieve is a career journalist, editor, and a two-time female motorcycle hall of famer, a title held by just eight women in motorcycling history. She is considered an expert on all things women and motorcycles and the leading female voice in the industry. She has also focused on mentoring others and giving back to her community.
Tigra CruisHer: While she has participated in several charity rides and rallies, she would like to lead her own rides to raise money for breast cancer and lupus, two diseases that have affected family members and friends.
Danell Lynn: Danell took part in a 12-woman expedition to Northern Pakistan where they taught local women how to ride motorcycles to the Honda factory where they work in order to bypass the daily gridlock of the city streets and highways. She is the founder and director of two humanitarian organizations.
Henrietta Stands-Nelson: Not only is Henrietta a passionate rider, but she’s also an activist and speaker. She regularly participates in rides to honor and remember her native ancestors and native war veterans. She is also an advocate for women and children living in poverty and indigenous women and children who are victims of violence.
Momma D (big on social): Momma D has been giving speeches and has signed copies of her published memoir, 50 States of Consciousness, which tells the story of her amazing motorcycle journey as well as her journey to overcome a lifetime of abuse and a portion of the proceeds from each copy of 50 States of Consciousness sold were allocated towards ending domestic violence.
Rhonda Brown: Rhonda has joined local charities to ride or participate in a rally. She indulges her artistic side by painting bikes and selling them in the hopes of making some income; her ultimate goal is to raffle off the originals in order to donate the proceeds to charities that are focused on helping children, veterans, and people who suffer from Alzheimer’s.
Kathy Szeliga: Kathy, who joined the Maryland Legislature in 2010, has been fighting for the rights of bikers, by trying to change the rules of the road. For her, when it comes to riding, safety comes first. Kathy continues to fight for those who are part of her passion—motorcycle riders because she wants everyone on the road to experience a safe environment when traveling.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other remarkable women motorcycle riders in the United States. The motorcycling world is filled with talented and inspiring women who continue to make an impact and inspire others to pursue their motorcycle dreams.
Women Motorcycle Clubs in the US
There are several female motorcycle clubs in the United States that cater to and support women riders. Here are a few examples:
Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally (MAWMR): MAWMR was started with a vision of creating a community, but to also be a fundraiser in support of women who face breast cancer. Over the years, the rally has evolved to assist any woman with any challenge surrounding any cancer, (http://www.mawmr.org/).
Iron Angels: One of the many teams belonging to BUILD Moto, but proudly boast to be the first-ever all-female BUILD Moto team. BUILD provides students with an opportunity to learn a myriad of technical skills, ranging from design and welding to machining and media.
Women On Wheels (WOW): Women On Wheels is one of the largest all-female motorcycle organizations in the United States. They provide a supportive community for women riders, organize rides and events, and promote safe riding.
Motor Maids: The Motor Maids is an organization that has been around since 1940 and is dedicated to promoting women in motorcycling. It is one of the oldest continuously operating women’s motorcycle clubs in North America.
Chrome Angelz RC: Chrome Angelz is a female motorcycle club with chapters across the United States. They focus on sisterhood, community service, and promoting positive images of women riders.
Leather & Lace MC: Leather & Lace MC is a female-only motorcycle club that promotes camaraderie among women riders. They have chapters in multiple states and participate in charity events and group rides.
Sisters Eternal WMC: Sisters Eternal is a women’s motorcycle club that aims to unite women riders through sisterhood, support, and empowerment. They have chapters in different regions of the United States.
These are just a few examples of female motorcycle clubs in the US. There are many more clubs and riding groups that specifically cater to women riders, providing opportunities for networking, socializing, and sharing the passion for motorcycles. For some women, riding a motorcycle can be an empowering experience. It challenges traditional gender stereotypes and allows them to embrace their individuality, proving that they can participate in activities traditionally associated with men.
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