The MIC’s latest Motorcycle Owner Survey found that women account for 14 percent of all U.S. motorcycle and scooter owners, well up from the 8% reported in 1998. In fact, the number of female owners better than doubled from 2003 to 2014. And, among the more than 30 million Americans who swung a leg over a motorcycle and rode at least one time in 2014, 25% of these riders were women.” Proof that motorcycling is for anyone and that’s being recognized by younger generations and minorities.
Cruisers are the choice of 34 percent of female riders. Scooters rank a close second at 33 percent, followed by sport bikes at 10 percent. The study revealed that female riders are safety-conscious. While 60 percent of women took a motorcycle safety course, only 42 percent of men had any formal training. In some states motorcycle safety training programs, women make up 30 percent of the student population.
Some other key results. • New bikes are preferred over used by 57 percent of female riders • The median age for female motorcyclists is 39 versus 48 for males • 49% of female motorcyclists are married • 47% of female motorcyclists have a college or post-graduate degree • More than 49% of women motorcyclists perform their own maintenance or have a friend or relative do it, instead of taking their bikes to a shop
Yes, but how many ladies went to a scooter versus those who now ride a motorcycle?
Do scooters really count as motorcycles? C’mon now. If you see a guy on a scooter you don’t think “whoa dude, nice bike”.
I more than welcome more female motorcyclists, but let’s not pad the numbers for no reason.
I know they have to account for it but throw the scooter numbers out the window. I say many are teenagers that need cheap transportation until they get their car licenses. Very few of them stay with it after that.
So more power to any female who does!
My friend has one on those Suzuki Burgman scooters, and it rips. He has an FXR too, but loves the scooter and said it will cruise at 80 MPH. I would consider that a motorcycle.
Is an automatic transmission truck still a truck? Are DCT Hondas still motorcycles? Guess it depends on the ego of the person you ask.
IMO, scooters of all kinds– Vespas up to 650 and 800 maxis are bikes, and those who ride them are real riders. No cage, no airbags. Just real pavement and real bugs. Don’t make the mistake of ostracizing certain groups. Motorcycle advocates can always use new folks in our corner. If you want to be in a more exclusive club, join a gang.
2 wheels are 2 wheels.
Tejas – Well said. Thank you for your valued opinion.
Women riders are growing. We get tired of the same old scenery. And begging to go with you to ride. SOME women want the independence all you MEN speak so much about.. The wind in our pony tails, the freedom of the road.
Now if we could just get jackets that fit.. Lets work on the arm length.. Women are now riding, lets make them with the arms extended in mind.. When this happens, I know we will have arrived.. LOL
I agree with Knucklehead; 2 wheels are 2 wheels. I love to see more women riding their own every year, and those just starting on scooters will soon want an upgrade (me thinks).