Pretty in Chrome - How Women Are Changing The Biker Image
Bikers have had a certain image for years as tattooed men who have a certain disdain for authority. However, women have been an integral part of the motorcycle community for decades stretching all the way back to the dawn of these vehicles.
Changing the Culture
Harley-Davidson has always marketed its product to women in some shape or fashion. The World War, the Great Depression, and other conflicts both national and international all taking place between the 1940s and the 1970s didn't do much to further expand motorcycling as a sport, for anyone. Returning men from the war(s) as well as social and cultural developments in the U.S. during this era gave rise to the classic image of the lawless biker. Still, women were part of the culture, and by the end of the 1980s, Harley-Davidson began to market its product to women with a renewed sense of dedication to them as independent riders.
>>Join the conversation about Women Changing the Biker Image right here in HDForum.
Classic Image
So, your mom told you to stay away from them, movies and TV told you it was a bad lifestyle and no good ever came of motorcycling. Riding is dangerous and you are likely to get in trouble if you so much as look at a bike. The sport and motorcycling lifestyle revolved a male-dominated culture since a bicycle got its first engine back in 1909.
>>Join the conversation about Women Changing the Biker Image right here in HDForum.
Not Only For The Sporty
At some point, and no one is sure when exactly, the 883 and 1200 Sportsers were dubbed "girl bikes." As women began to purchase and ride their own motorcycles they were almost, for a long time, expected to exclusively ride one of these models. By the late 1990's and early 2000's, we begin to see more and more women challenge this rather new stereotype and take to the roads on Softails and Baggers. Harley-Davidson takes notice and we begin to see a series of "low" production motorcycles which incidentally attract many shorter male riders.
Always On The Scene
Despite the common association of bikers to gangs, violence, and all-around debauchery, women have always been part of the motorcycle scene since the first bicycle frame was outfitted with an engine back in 1909. Motorcycles were a much cheaper alternative to cars and women were there to take advantage just like the men did. The country was at war during WW2 and later conflicts did little to further popularize the sport for women. However, women have had their presence well documented throughout motorcycle history.
>>Join the conversation about Women Changing the Biker Image right here in HDForum.
6. Shifting Attitudes
The influx of women into motorcycling as a sport is undeniably a positive aspect for the market, however, it is the impact in the biker culture that is having a more lasting impact. Women riding clubs and organizations allowed women to build communities and develop the camaraderie that men had enjoyed for over 100 years. Today, organizations, clubs, and groups that accept men and women on an equal ground are changing how the biker community is seen and appreciated by the public.
>>Join the conversation about Women Changing the Biker Image right here in HDForum.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
