Men and Women Have Similar Motivations to Ride Motorcycles

Thanks to a recent survey commissioned by Harley-Davidson, we found out that men and women share similar reasons for riding, as four out of five female and male riders agree that learning to ride a motorcycle has changed their lives.

"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."

According to the survey, 77 percent of male and 67 percent female riders said that riding increased the freedom and adventure in their lives, and more than 75 percent said that the aforementioned reasons continue to motivate them.

"I can't even begin to quantify how much my life has changed for the better since I started riding a motorcycle," said Jennifer Thorne, who has been riding for nearly six nears. "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."

In fact, Harley-Davidson sells more than 11 percent of its new motorcycles to women, which is an eight percent increase in the past 10 years. Moreover, the Motor Company even created Share Your Spark: A Guide to Mentoring, a tool kit that features information on how to be a resource and support system to others during their motorcycling journey.