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Everyone knows the old adage -- men are from Mars, women are from Venus, but according to a new survey men and women are not so different when it comes to why they ride a motorcycle. The nationally representative survey was conducted in July 2009 among 257 male riders and 252 female licensed motorcycle riders by Impulse Research Corporation on behalf of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The overall sampling error for this survey is ± 3 percent at the 95 percent rate of confidence. The survey reveals what motivates men and women to get behind the handlebars — and stay there — when it comes to the sport of motorcycling.
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The survey found four out of five female and male riders agree that learning to ride a motorcycle changed their lives. Jennifer Thorne, 39, from Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, has been riding for nearly six years. "I can't even begin to quantify how much my life has changed for the better since I started riding a motorcycle," said Thorne. "I love the sense of freedom and adventure I feel when I get in the saddle of my motorcycle. I'm also more confident and appreciative of everything around me -- I only wish I could have started riding earlier in life."
Like Thorne, 77 percent of male and 67 percent female riders surveyed said learning to ride was life changing because it increased the freedom and adventure in their lives. More than three quarters of male and female riders also responded that freedom and adventure continues to be their motivation to continue riding.
"This survey confirms what we've been hearing for years, that women and men both are seeking the freedom and adventure the sport of motorcycling can offer," said Leslie Prevish, Women's Outreach Manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "That said, while men and women ride for many of the same reasons, the survey did confirm that a large percentage of women riders feel the sense of empowerment, strength and increased confidence."
Some women riders still enjoy the surprised faces of their male counterparts when they hit the highway. The survey found that nearly half of female riders said they love seeing the surprised looks on men's faces when they realize they're a women rider. "That moment has definitely become one of life’s little joys," added Thorne.
Other women pointed out that "[riding] makes me feel I have control over my life" and "[I love] riding with my husband, who is very proud that his wife has learned how to ride." No matter the personal reason, the fact is more and more women are starting to realize their dreams of being in the saddle of their very own motorcycles. In fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports that women now represent 12 percent of all new motorcycle sales. Also, women account for 23 percent of all riders, up from 18 percent five years ago. The Motor Company currently sells more than 11 percent of its new motorcycles to women, which is an eight percent increase in just the past 10 years.
The Impact of Mentoring
Friends and family usually influence your direction in life, and motorcycling is no different. In fact, nearly half of the female respondents of the survey indicated that they had a mentor who helped them break into the sport, either a male or female rider. More than a third of male riders also reported having a mentor. And nearly a quarter of the remaining female and male riders who didn’t have a mentor said they did have a family member who was a rider, so they wanted to ride too.
More importantly, nearly three quarters of male and female riders said they'd be willing to mentor other riders, either to share their love for riding, offer advice from their own experiences, answer questions and support or even to expand their network of people to ride with. To learn more on mentoring, visit WRN's Mentoring Page.
Reader Comments:
I ride my bike for many different reasons. Sometimes I ride to get away from it all, to clear my head. Sometimes I ride to feel the wind in my face which forces me to smile like a kid at a carnival. Sometimes I ride to feel the power under me and to make some noise. So, it all depends on the day but whatever my reason is on that day, I love that I can ride and I'm so glad that a year ago I decided to try. Who knew!?
Kelly
Houston, TX
10/14/2009
When I first learned to ride, I got that sense of empowerment and yes, it was cool to get the looks from men that it was actually a woman passing by, not a man.
Now after 2 1/2 years, I ride because I love it. I don't care what other people think about it, I don't pay attention to the looks anymore. I simply love the ride. It's so peaceful to be out on a winding road with no one saying, "mom, can I? or honey will you?" It just me and my bike. That's where I believe the feeling of freedom comes from.
Amy Wilson
Denham Springs, LA
9/21/2009
It's the best anti-depressant ever made!
Mo Wold
Eureka, CA
9/17/2009
To pass my motorbike test at 46 was for me the best thing in my life. I'm 57 now, and bike every weekend with my husband and our friends. We love it.
Willemien
Southampton, Sngland
9/13/2009
I think you're all over thinking things.
How about the joy of riding? How about I ride because when I do, I lose the pent up feelings of hostility and anger. I ride because when I do, I can smell the outdoors, from roadside kill to Alpine greenery. I am a part of the outdoors. From stinging bees to Kamikaze birds. It reminds me I am part of the this world, which is something you don't get insulated in your car.
How about "I ride because getting there isn't as important as enjoying getting there."
I don't ride for the company and companionship it offers, I have all the company I need on the road...my bike and I. I don't ride because I enjoy the "looks" I get from people, in fact, it annoys me that I'm noticed beyond the fact that I'm there. I don't want special treatment just because I ride. Women riding isn't special in my world. Why should it be? We want to be equal, so what makes us so special just because we are on a bike?
I ride because -- there are a million reasons everyday for why I ride -- but to feel special or free or empowered isn't on my list of why I ride.
The best reason I ride? I ride because when I get on the bike and feel her beneath me I know I will be participating in something that keeps me connected with my feelings, re-awakens my desires, refreshes my spirit. Touches my soul and brings me "home."
I was empowered before my bike, I was free before my bike, and I have my friends and companions, once more, before my bike. None of those things are what riding is. Riding is the soul of me. I ride because.
Chessie
Johnson City, TN
9/5/2009
Yes, I agree that riding is, above all, empowering and that's why most women love it. I'd also like to mention that I personally got a real sense of accomplishment when I learned to ride - that I was able to handle a motorcycle with confidence and skill. And I also feel that it's something that helps define my personality and makes me stand out, that it makes me unique among my peers.
Thanks WRN!
Karen
West Hartford, CT
9/5/2009
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