Women take on the iconic motorcycle
In a world where the rumble of a motorcycle has been synonymous with masculinity, more and more women are changing that.
When you think of a Harley-Davidson, it’s easy to see a big, tattooed, leather-clad bloke riding it and while there may still be riders out there that fit that generalisation, there’s also a new wave of riders - women.
Recent data from motoring powerhouse Harley-Davidson reveals a shift in the motorcycle world, with more women than ever securing their motorcycle licence.
New South Wales has witnessed a 128 percent increase in female motorcycle holders over the past decade and more than 1,500 women across Australia and New Zealand have launched more than 40 ladies of Harley chapters.
Ballarat local Michelle McKenna took up motorcycling after her husband passed away.
“When my husband passed away, I thought, what would he hate me doing? Motorcycle riding.
“Sounds really bad, doesn’t it,”
Michelle had always admired women who rode motorcycles and decided to take up riding as she said “life is too short” not to.
Coming from an equestrian background, Michelle was used to handling powerful beasts but riding a Harley-Davidson was an experience she’d never felt before.
“I loved it, there’s nothing like it, you feel like you can do anything when you’re on the bike, it’s just fantastic,” she said.
Starting off with a street 500 bike, Michelle said it provided her with prue enjoyment but it was also an outlet after her husband’s death.
“Motorcycle riding is a mental stress reliever, you have to be right in the moment, you have to be right there on the bike you can’t think of anything else,” she said.
Michelle gradually gained confidence and experience, upgrading to larger Harley’s like the Sports Glide and Road King.
She went on to join the local Geelong Harley Owners Group (HOG), which she says welcomed her regardless of her gender, experience or the type of Harley she had.
“They’re the nicest, friendliest people, no one cares how much your bike costs, no one’s worries about how much you spend on accessories, and things like that,
“They all just want to have a look and a chat with you, they’re just great,” she said.
Michelle said motorcycling has enriched her life and given her a sense of freedom.
“My Life couldn’t be any better, very spoiled in the fact that I can get on the bike, go travel, I have a supportive husband, I’m just so glad I did it, absolutely love it.”
She encourages other women, especially those who might be hesitant, to“forget about the car, just ride the bike”.
“You will love it, you’ll absolutely love it, it’s a completely different experience,” she said.
While the increase in female riders may seem new, it’s been deeply rooted in Harley-Davidson’s history.
Back in 1940, a college student, Linda Dugeau and seasoned Harley rider and dealer, Dot Robinson founded the Motor Maids of America - the first all female riding club.
Today, the Motor Maids still exist and their numbers are increasing globally.
Harley-Davidson managing director Nigel Keough said it’s always been a part of Harley’s dedication to fostering a diverse community.
“Women have always had a love for the Harley-Davidson brand, and we are seeing that more than ever now as women embrace our new range or learned-approved motorcycles,”
“With the recent introduction of the X350 and X500 models in ANZ we have seen well over 20 per cent being bought by women, and in the case of X350, female ownership has risen to over 30 per cent,” he said.
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