Why Do You Ride What You Ride? Ladies Do Tell?
June 18th, 2012 | 
Author: 
Brenda Fox - Ride On!
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys: Real Rider bike reviews!
Why do you ride what you ride? Do tell! I hate it when I’m told I’m supposed to love something and I don’t. Marketing, PR, husbands, girlfriends and external advice about what is supposed to be the perfect motorcycle, the best riding jacket or even the top sunscreen – it’s always coming at us. I like the “real deal” review – Actually hearing from those that actually have touched, ridden or used a product and what it is they like or dislike about it - their real thoughts.
Today it’s so cool to have so many motorcycle options available for women riders.
A lot of us have come into motorcycling with bikes being handed down from others or passed on from someone we know who rides. Aside from that there are many women who go out and purchase exactly what they want. But how do they know that’s the make and model they want? Did the rent one or did they attend a rider demo? Sure would be a buzz kill to be so excited about getting a new ride only to find out it gives you a backache when you ride or you don’t feel comfortable on it.
I wanna hear why you picked your ride?
What you really love about your bike and why did you choose it over so many others out there to choose from?
Is there a thing or two you would like better about your bike or would modify?
Would you recommend it to other women and if so at what skill level?
Is there another bike you got your eye on or is what you have a lifer?
Give us your input and post on the blog about your bike.
Ride ON!
Brenda Fox
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
We Ride We Care We Win – Call 1-800-4-BIKERS for Free Motorcycle Accident Consultation.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you need to protect your rights with a top motorcycle injury lawyer. Call 1-800-424-5377 to learn why you need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney on your side. Brenda Fox is a Motorcycle Industry Veteran, with miles in the saddle of riding motorcycle on TV, film and one of the chosen few hired as a professional motorcycle test rider. Ms. Fox is the founder of Women Motorcyclist with her social media following the largest in the USA for women riders. Connect with her here www.womenmotorcyclist.com 
Posted in Women Legends In Motorcycling
New blog post: Why Do You Ride What You Ride? Ladies Do Tell? http://t.co/GNwb9kKb #bikers,#harley,#motorcycles,#motorcyclelawyer
Why Do You Ride What You Ride? Ladies Do Tell? http://t.co/azPgajZt
Why do I ride? Because I bought a Harley Davidson for my boyfriend who then turned around and used me, running up all my credit cards, destroying my credit and nearly causing me to have my home foreclosed on. When I finally kicked his ass to the curb, he fully expected me to curl up in a ball and die without him. Instead, I’m learning to ride the bike he loved more than me. Soon, I will be able to pass by him and let him see that not only did I survive what he did to me, I thrived.
I ride because for to many years I did what people told me I should do how I should live…I ride now because I control me..Im living everyday to it fullest….what I ride is a 883 Harley sportster 2009…n shes my lil piglet…she might not be a big n bad as other hogs…but shes nice n low n sleek..
I ride a ’99 Honda Shadow A.C.E. Tourer. It is the first bike I purchased on my own. My husband had one, but since I didin’t ride much, he traded it for his current bike. I decided in 2008 that I wanted my own. Searched til I found it. I have added a few things to it. It is my lifer bike!!!!
I wanted a bike for years and finally bought Kate in 2009 when my husband decided that he wanted one. She is a 2008 denim blue Harley Fatboy. Perfect for me because I love my jeans! I didn’t even know how to ride when I bought her and had to have her delivered to my house! That was crazy and for awhile I thought that I might have made a mistake but after 4 years I would have wanted to trade up if I’d bought anything smaller. I love her and the ride. Riding season isn’t long enough so I’m hoping to relocate to GA or FL soon.
I ride because of the freedom I feel out on the road with wind in my face and me in control. I ride a 2009 Arlen Ness Victory Vision. I rode the bike on demo days and fell in love with it. I put so many miles (53,000) on my first bike, a 2007 HD 1200 Sportster, that I knew I needed a bagger. This bike just fit me. It is big and powerful, yet quick and nimble. I love this machine! It’s not a good choice for a novice, but a great one for an experienced gal!
I started riding after my divorce to prove to myself I could do something on my own. I continue to ride because I love it. I started with a Suziki 800 and did not like it – not enough power and bad center of gravity. I was afraid to get something larger but I quickly found out I could handle my 2005 Yamaha Vstar 1100 even better, because it is naturally low to the ground – no modifications and fits me great. The center of balance is great. I have ridden lots of miles in comfort with a couple of modifications to increase power so I can keep up with all the big boy Harley riders. I also have handlebar speakers which work great. If I buy another bike it would be a Victory Vision but it still needs to be a little lower.
I ride a 2001 883 Sportster that I have nearly fully customized to my personality. I chose a Sporty because I am a small framed woman who also has MS. Having MS was one of my motivations to ride my own, this stupid disease is not going to stop me from living my life and enjoying my mobility while I have still have it. I really would love a Crossbones, I just love the looks of it, I feel like I can handle it, but rather be safe than sorry!
I ride because I can. No more someone telling me because I am a woman the only thing I should have between my legs is a man. Heard that too often. I didn’t get to do it when I was young, raised my family. Kids grew up, found their own lives. My spouse never made it out of an operation. Alone. Sooooooo here I come world. Had the RoadWitch since 2004 and never looked back.
I ride because it is a passion…. and has been since I was a young girl. (Thanks to my dad.) I have owned several motorcycles. My favorite one was a 2005 Sportster 1200XL Custom that I didn’t think I would ever part with… it was my baby…. all tricked out….a very sweet bike by anyone’s standards. That all changed one day this spring. While getting my Sportster serviced, I spied and fell in love with a 2012 Deluxe with custom paint that had just been uncrated. I just finished a 2,300 mile trip to the Upper Peninsula and down the Mississippi River with my husband. I love the feel and the ride of my new bike! It is definitely a keeper!! Now, if I could only part with my Sporty!!
I ride a 2007 Harley Sportster 883 XL Low. I finally realized that I didn’t have to date a jerk to get my Harley fix and could just go buy my own. So, I did. I had never even so much as ridden a dirt bike before and my own experience was riding “bitch”, but I walked into my local Harley Davidson dealership one day and picked her out. I had to have her delivered because I didn’t even know how to ride her home. Then, with a few basic instructions, one very nice biker and an empty parking lot down the street, I learned to ride. After that and almost 20,000 miles later, it is hard to get me off of it. I found that riding a Harley, even a piglet, is a thousand times better solo!
I love my bike, but am now ready to upgrade. My kickstand tends to drag when leaning tightly into curves, speed bumps are hell with a low, and I sometimes get blown pretty badly passing 18-wheelers on the interstates at higher speeds. However, I began with Harley and have never ridden anything else more than once just to test it out because I haven’t found anything better… except a bigger, more powerful Harley.
Ladies, don’t depend on a man for a ride – you won’t get the type of ride you seek. Buy your own and ride solo with no strings attached! There is nothing better in the world!
Oh let’s just be honest. We ride Harleys because we REALLY like the way it feels between our legs.
A low grumble is better than a high-pitched buzz.
I ride a 2011 Suzuki S40 Boulevard. I have wanted to ride since I became a passenger , but my husband asked that I not because of the other drivers on the rode. My husband passed away 5 years ago and it has taken me 3 years to come to terms with it. But, I decided life was too short and began to pursue my interests. So at 62 I began going out to see bands and get my license. My son, who has ridden for 14 yr, helped me get a bike. It has brought me a new freedom I totally enjoy.
I rode as a passenger with my husband on his Valkyrie for over 10 years. Friends all rode Harleys and one day we stopped by a Harley shop with them and I saw and fell in love with the Harley Street Bob. About 6 months later, August 2008, I bought my 2008 Street Bob. I signed up for the Motor Cycle Safety Foundation course, first class available was two months later in Oct. Loved the class passed with 100%.
I couldn’t believe the feeling of riding my own. Each year we take a motorcycle trip with friends which have included riding the Tail of the Dragon twice two years ago. This year we are headed back for a second time to Helen, GA to ride those beautiful roades in North Georgia.
I’ve customized my bike which includes, lowering kit, flanders pull-back handlebars, mustang seat, Willie G Skull accessories, saddle bags, floorboards, luggage rack, mirrors, windshield, windshield bag, heat deflectors, grips, leather frige for my lever grips. And no I wouldn’t trade my bike as I love this bike, it fits me perfect and has everything I want on it. Well…. maybe some tunes would be nice.
My ex-boyfriend and I rode 95% of the time we went anywhere and I loved it! When we broke up it was abrupt and devastating, both the break-up and NOT RIDING!! So I decided, “Having a bike under my ass simply cannot be contingent on having a man in my bed!”
So I waited for cooler weather and took the course and then bought a 95 Dyna Low Rider with the help of a dear friend who passed away riding less than 1 month later! Now I ride in honor and with great gratitude for Peco!
Thanks for letting me share!
I ride a Triumph Bonneville. A girlfriend has a similar one, and I fell in love the cafe racer look and ethos. I started riding just over a year ago on a Honda Rebel 250 I call Dribble. We moved from a big city to a small town in the mountains and I get a little bored and stir crazy. My husband has ridden his whole life (Sporty and a Ducati ST3) but I never did like riding bitch. Perhaps I’m a bit of a control freak. We live in a beautiful part of the Southwest and to my mind there is no better way to explore our adopted home than on my trusty and elegant British iron. With a demanding job, young child, horse and dogs, my only complaint about this full life is I don’t get enough time to hit the open road. Something to look forward to when the nest is a bit emptier I suppose.
I have always wanted to ride, but life happened. Now that my son has grown up, I decided to treat myself to lessons and a license. I bought a used Honda Rebel 450 a couple of years ago and LOVE it. I did buy a new 2012 Honda Rebel 250 this year–I feel more comfortable on the 250!
After riding a dirt bike when I was a kid , and a small dual purpose in the 80s, I decided I wanted a road bike. I went to a dealer that at the time, had a large variety of bikes. I sat on quite a few, to get a feel for handling, Center of gravity, arm length, weight etc. Narrowed it down to Kaw 800, then got on ebay and found me one for the price I wanted to pay!
Mustang seat, check
pull back risers, check
2nd gas tank, check
52k miles later, not had a lick of trouble out of it!
August 2010 I decided to go on-line and fill out an application for a loan at my local Harley Davidson. I didn’t think Ibwould qualify but to my surprise I did. I received a call letting me know I qualified and would I be intetesed in going by. I said yes, so that afternoon I headed to the local Harley Davidson store. I met with the sales rep who td
me how much I qualified for and brought me to the 2011 883 Super Low Sportster. A beauty for sure. I sat down, and felt so comfortable, she felt right. He then took me to three other bikes but none of them felt comfortable or right. I went back to the 883. This was the one for me, perfect fit and perfect size for my 5’1″ height.
Purchased my Road Angel, they delivered her to my house because I did not have my motorcycle endorsement yet. Yes I purchased the Road Angel before I took the MSF course. I didn’t pass the MSF course the first time so re-took the course and Passed. I added a new seat, one that brought me clloser to the controls and lower to the ground. I added a flat foot peg and a little longer gear shift. Saddle bags and crash bar have also been added. Soon I’ll add the tour pack.
I love riding and feeling the freedom of the open road. There id a difference in what you see, hear and smell when you’re on a bike. Nothing beats the freedom.
I don’t plan on giving up the Road Angel. I plan on taking many road trips, where ever I go I know I will build memeories of a lifetime.
My ex scared me to death of a motorcycle trying to toss me off. Then when I met new boyfriend I was scared to go out with him because he rides a bike. It was a whole different story on back with him because of trust! Then decided to take class and 3 months later bought my own and love it! I have put over 8,000 miles in little over a year. It is a Yamaha 650 V-Star. Thinking of trading for bigger bike, but hard when can’t really test drive because of my height. Some u can lower, but then what if you don’t like it and u have already put money into it!
I ride a 2012 Harley Davidson Tri Glide Trike. I learned to ride in high school, but married very young and he did not ride. Sold that bike…and got back into riding a few years ago after my divorce. First as a passenger..and like a lot of ladies have indicated…finding a nice guy with a bike can be difficult! I finally found the right guy..he has a 2011 HD Heritage Softail…with 20,000 miiles on it already! My Black Beauty just passed 3,000 miles and she is only 3 months old tomorrow! I can’t ride 2 wheels safely anymore due to bad knees…but after having Breast Cancer twice since 2010, I am glad I took my sweet fella’s advice and test drove a Trike. There is NO shame in riding on 2 wheels…life is good and riding makes my life more fun. Go for it, girls!!!
I ride a Yamaha VStar 650 classic, my first road bike. I chose it because it felt right, it’s big enough to go where I want to and not so big it will go without me while I learn to be comfortable riding on the street!
Why do I ride? That’s a little harder to answer…freedom, facing fears, my own power, my own choices…because I feel whole when I’m on my bike and yet more a part of things.
All spiritual stuff. I will forever be amazed that a machine does what it does for me and my soul. =)
I ride a 2010 Dyna Wide Glide. I love my bike, it’s the one place where I feel I truly belong. I’ve felt like an outsider for most of my life but not when I’m riding. When I ride my bike I’m in the world, not just on the world.
I ride a 2010 Harley Davidson Streetbob… I actually started riding to have more in
common with my husband – we where having a rough patch -
but then it got in my blood and I’m on my second Harley. There
is nothing in the world like being in control of your own bike, it’s
the best RUSH in the world!! RIDE ON LADIES!!!
I ride because I dont ‘do’ pillion.
I have a Suzuki Intruder 1400 cause I love the look of it and she never lets me down. I love seeing peoples faces when they realise I’m a ‘girlie’ with all that power between my legs!
I dont think I could let her go, even if I could afford the Heritage Softail that I have wanted since I rode Route 66 on one!.
When life is just getting too much and I need to be alone, I ride out onto the moors, feel the wind in my face and enjoy living!!
Been riding since I was 6. I ride for the mixture of freedom,control, adrenaline and peace! I have a 2009 custom me my boyfriend and another guy built from the ground up. Decked out in alligator. Ride on Ladies!
I ride a 2007 Yamha FZ6. I have been riding for less than a year. I love riding her because she is powerful but lightweight. This is my retirement plan. Some couples RV-fulltime, my husband and I plan to ride as much as possible. We are 15 years from true retirement, with the youngest child almost out of the house, but we are starting now. Commuting, trips to the grocery store (the long route), long day trips, long weekends, week long vacations. I love riding 2up with my husband. Let’s face it, getting to hug the one you love for hours is fun, but I love being in control of my own ride too. I have always been a speed demon in a car — so much more fun on a motorcycle. I decided that my 10 mile commute isn’t long enough…I am constantly discovering new ways to get to work. My mottos to ride by: Ride your own ride. ATGATT (all the gear, all the time)
I ride a Harley V Rod because.A) It took my breath away B) She’s Badass and sexy and last but not least…. As much as she blends in ad a cruiser… she leaves crotch rockets in the dust on the curves and switchbacks
Has a picture of my Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic . . I Ride with http://www.ridersusa.net
I like the ease of getting to and from places plus saves me money as I have added Bubble Fusion to my Motorcycle and get another 10 more miles per gallon and with 5 1/2 gallon tank it is another gallon of gas distance
http://www.lynns-store.com/al-herb.html
Thank you for all the wonderful responses.
It’s great to get to know more about you Hot Moto Mama’s!
Ride ON!
At this point I ride a vstar 650. Good on gas mileage, it still keeps me in the lower insurance bracket as well as is heavy enough for most rides I do (a lot of mountains and twistees), and light enough that if I drop it I can pick it up by myself. The other reason is, being of older technology, if I am on a trip and there is a breakdown – parts are readily accessible by most motorcycle shops. I do a lot of solo rides and this summer will be the longest I will have attempted- Manitoba to Vancouver Island. It isn’t one of the more powerful bikes – but I’ve learned that it isn’t the bike that lacks performance a lot of times… it’s the nut between the handlebars that doesn’t know how to ride properly.
I say that I ride a vstar 650 “at this time” because presently I am lusting after a Victory High Ball. One of these days the bank will let me play with more of their money so I can get one – once the mortgage and car is paid off that is
See you in the wind
I ride a 2004 Honda VTX 1300cc. I bought it used in 2006 from a man in a town nearby. I had my land under contract that I was selling and was ready to buy a bike. I stopped in to the local HD shop to give them one more try, and was not treated very well by their salesman. He did not ask me my skill level, whether or not I rode, but just said that the 883 was perfect for me. (no, it was not, it is top heavy, not good for long distance riding and not my choice) He assumed that I had no money to buy a bigger bike and no matter what I said in the 10 minutes of time he gave me, he insisted that would be my bike. Oh, and no, I could not sit on it to try it on or try any other bikes on the showroom floor. I looked in the paper and found two bikes. One was the 1300 and the other was an 1100 Honda. Since I had ridden an 1100, I thought I could try them and see. The only response I received from two phone calls was from the owner of the 1300. I took my gear with me, test rode it, smiled like a cheshire cat and told him that it was SOLD!!. I rode it home about a week later, in the rain and since then I have put over 45,000 miles on it. Comfort, feet flat and great on long distance rides. Easy to work on, for oil changes, wires, lights, spark plugs and other maintainance needs. Yes, I do my own work. I know it is done right.
Keep the rubber side down.
MARG! WELL PUT!
“I’ve learned that it isn’t the bike that lacks performance a lot of times… it’s the nut between the handlebars that doesn’t know how to ride properly.”