Learning to ride a motorcycle changes lives

[xcel]

Survey shows men and women have similar motivations to ride.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug. 20, 2009

2010 Harley Davidson XL883L - Harley Davidson’s most new rider friendly and fuel efficient at 45 mpgUS.

According to a Harley Davidson sponsored survey to find out what motivates men and women to get behind the handlebars, it was found that both sexes share similar reasons for riding.

The survey revealed that four out of five riders, both male and female, believe that learning to ride a motorcycle changed their lives. "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, 39, from Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania who has been riding for nearly six years. "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 men and women are seeking the adventure that 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."

No matter the reasons, 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.

[antrey]

Originally Posted by xcel

Survey shows men and women have similar motivations to ride.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Aug. 20, 2009

"This survey confirms what we've been hearing for years, that men and women are seeking the adventure that 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."

.

I ride a motorcycle everyday to work and while I love it, the sense of "empowerment, strength and confidence" is completely false. The truth of the matter is you are very vulnerable, exposed, and a fraction of a second away from death most of the time.

[Earthling]

It seems to me that quite a few people ride motorcycles for the image. Every day is Halloween, dress up like an outlaw biker and see if you can scare anyone. Pretend you are an outlaw 1%-er on the weekends, especially if you can get 50 or 100 other bikers in a large group doing the same thing.

I have no time for that. I ride because I enjoy it, and I dress for protection from the elements and road rash, and I dress to be easily visible by other motorists, which is another means of self-preservation. I ride for me, not to fit in with some group.

Yes, I do like the adventure of a long road trip on a bike, and I also enjoy 50-ish mpg fuel economy.

Harry

[alvaro84]

Originally Posted by antrey

I ride a motorcycle everyday to work and while I love it, the sense of "empowerment, strength and confidence" is completely false. The truth of the matter is you are very vulnerable, exposed, and a fraction of a second away from death most of the time.

Strange, I don't feel this "empowerment, strength and confidence". But I feel more vigilant and awake (even after a night shift) which I actually need on the road. And yet I make mistakes sometimes. I shouldn't let my guard down even when I'm enjoying the view or playing the hypermiling game... never, ever.

Freedom? I'm have much, much more freedom now. Before riding I had no motor driven vehicle at all, so my range has greatly increased, I can see anything in our country anytime, or even in the neighbouring countries, something I couldn't say before. And a motorcycle is pretty small, I don't feel as guilty as I would dragging along a ton of iron in the shape of a big box on four wheels. I usually ride alone or 2-up (no children), I don't need that big box yet... and even when I'll need I'll have something smaller too. MPG? Not bad (now usually over 80), compared to many other vehicles. Not that good either looking at these Priuses and Insights in proper hands...

[hobbit]

I was there for a while, and a bike is absolutely the correct
thing for bangin' around through woodland trails if you're so
inclined. But I also like the "freedom" of clicking all four
window switches up when it starts raining...
.
_H*

[shiNIN]

rain is nice now and then... Alvaro felt some slightly perverted joy when rode his bike at 5am, it was very early spring I guess, dark, cold, it heavily rained... but he had to go to work.
frost and icy roads is worse. riding in rain may be unpleasant but safe 'enough'. but if it's below zero, riding becomes too dangerous (except for short rides on _dry_ roads). I'm glad I live in a country where we have snow sometimes, it's fun, but winters aren't too cold or long... we needn't to skip multiple months.

as for me. I have a bike, but no licence yet, hopefully the next weeks will change this fact. I have no experience either, I'm not among the many riders without licence...
therefore I know nothing about riding fast or long or anything like that, even my lessons in traffic are ahead of me.
but sitting on my bike is a very great feeling. I don't understand, my mind knows very well I'm vulnerable and I'm careful and vigilant as much as possible, but still... I really feel some freedom and much safety. I can relax on my bike the most. I forget my problems and don't feel stress. I'm slightly paranoid and safety has a high priority in my life, if I think about riding or driving, it seems so difficult and dangerous... but the charm of bikes are stronger... and when I'm actually in the saddle, I forget it all and ride my dear Ciliegia. actually, I feel she goes almost by herself, she's a good partner in riding.
I was very calm even when the bike fell I was riding on, in the saddle or in the back seat I hate... and I have some injuries. Ciliegia too. and what, I knew what I did wrong and it won't happen again in the same way.

I'm not the "I'm wild and free and cool just because I'm riding a bike" type and I dislike the hotheaded speedlovers who can't imagine how a village with a straight road can be crossed under 70mph and drive in a really dangerous way everywhere.
I just love riding my bike, I needn't even a high speed only a good quality road with low traffic with a nice scenery... I will use my bike for touring. I choose the roads and the time when the weather will be hopefully okay. I do everything for my safety, I need it, I can't chan ge my being unexperienced right away.

nor my writing far too much about me and my opinion...

[beatr911]

Earthlings got it right. It's all about you, man. It's not a fashion show. It's about being connected to the world around you, the sun is hotter, the rain is wetter on a bike. Being so much closer to death than driving a car makes one more aware of, and appreciative of, living life.

In my opinion, it's the absolute best way to travel. Be safe and ride long.