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"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." - Hunter Thompson
Motorcycles Designed for Women
Most motorcycles are designed with men in mind, and it is true that they are the majority of the operators. However, there are many women who want to do more with a motorcycle than just ride on the back of it. Finding a motorcycle designed to fit a woman is more difficult and the choices are limited. However, it is very possible to find one if you know what to look for. More and more motorcycle manufacturers are becoming aware of this market.
For too long female motorcycle owners have been stereotyped as reckless women wearing all leather, smoking and drinking with a wild gang of bikers. Approximately 10% of motorcycle owners are women, and many more are interested in purchasing one. These women come from all walks of life. Some of them enjoy the thrill of riding their own bike while others find it a very economical way of commuting each day. The majority of women who do own motorcycles are in their 30s, they have a family, and they are educated.
More than 80% of the motorcycles women purchase are cruiser models. Sports motorcycles are also very popular. Women prefer a motorcycle that is lighter weight, but they still want the power males crave with many motorcycle models. Today, many of the major motorcycle manufacturers are providing women with options for motorcycles that are light weight yet fast. These manufacturers include Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.
Harley Davidson offers three models designed specifically for women the Sportster, DynaGlider Low-Rider, and the XL 1200 Custom. Kawasaki offers women dirt bikes including the Ninja 500R and the ZZR600. Honda has followed suit with the Nighthawk 250CC and the Rebel 250CC. Suzuki offers the 650 Savage, Marauder 800CC, and the 800 Intruder.
If you are considering purchasing a motorcycle designed specifically for a woman, then these models give you plenty to choose from. Make sure you take your time and find the one that fits your body correctly. Sit on the motorcycle and make sure your feet are able to touch the ground on both sides. Make sure it is light enough that you can handle it. If you are struggling with it, then pass it over as you will have difficult controlling it on the road. Look for a motorcycle with a low, narrow seat. You also want long handle bars so that you can ride the motorcycle comfortably. If you plan to ride your motorcycle a great deal, you may consider having one custom built to fit your style and body.
Keep in mind that motorcycles for women are available in models that are recommended for a new rider and some that are for a more experienced operator. Make sure you take this into consideration while you are contemplating the motorcycle to purchase.
There are many online motorcycle clubs for women and magazines as well. Most of them are operated by other female motorcycle owners. This is a great place to ask questions and get valuable information as you look for one of your own. Online websites for female motorcycle owners are a great place to meet other women and to find out about various events and motorcycle rallies. You can even help set up a motorcycle event in your area. Fit out how other female motorcycle owners enjoy their bike. This is also a great place to find out reviews on various models and even to find used bikes for sale.
The stereotype of a biker chick is still in the minds of many people, but you would be surprised how many women have passed you on their motorcycle. It is often hard to tell if they are wearing a helmet. As the number of female motorcycle owners continues to grow, you can be sure there will be more models to select from. Manufacturers arent going to pass up this target population. The American Motorcyclist Association now has 265,000 registered female motorcycle owners, proving this to be more than a passing fad.
Motorcycles: You Gotta Know When to Tow 'Em
By Emily Sandberg
 Motorcycling is a passion. While most hard core bikers will never be seen towing their motorcycle around on trailer no matter what the weather, there are times when towing a motorcycle cannot be avoided. It is during times like these that you do not want to trust just any trailer to haul your bike.
Finding the right trailer to suit your needs involves a little bit of homework. There are trailers ranging from the most basic to the exotic. Many motorcycle trailers are even customized works of art. After all, who wants to be seen hauling their bike unless they can do it with a little style?
A basic trailer for hauling your motorcycle will generally have a channel where the bike's wheels will rest and rings where you can secure the tie downs to keep the bike upright and steady. These trailers are generally lightweight and easy to handle, allowing you to easily haul your motorcycle with any vehicle. It simply attaches to your car or truck by way of a towing hitch. Once attached, all you have to do is drive your bike up onto the trailer (many will actually tilt to allow you to drive the bike up, or some come with ramps), strap it down, and begin your journey. Some of these trailers actually have channels deep enough that they will hold your bike up, allowing you to easily load and unload your bike without any help.
If you have more than one bike to haul you can get trailers with two or more channels to carry two or more bikes. Remember, more bikes mean more weight which requires a heavier tow vehicle.
If you already have a flat trailer, you can buy just the kit to create a motorcycle trailer from your flat trailer. This is generally a long metal channel that will screw on the top of your flat trailer where your bike wheels will be secured for the trip. Additionally, you will need tie down anchors to keep the bike upright and fully secure the bike.
If you do not want your bike to get damaged by road debris and the elements, a trailer pod might be your best bet. A motorcycle trailer pod protects your bike by completely enclosing it in a capsule that you can customize. Do you have more than one bike? There are pods bid enough to haul two cruising bikes.
If hauling your motorcycle seems absurd, how do you feel about hauling your road warrior gear in a trailer that you pull behind your bike? Let's face it; saddle bags only hold so much stuff. When a long trip requires more gear, a bike trailer might be just the thing you need to stay out on the road longer. You can find everything from the most basic to the most amazing trailers styled to match your bike to pull behind your motorcycle.
So, whatever your motorcycle hauling needs are, look around, and you'll be amazed at what's available online and in your local bike shop.
Emily Sandberg is an off road enthusiast who takes the dirt road whenever it's available. When she's not towing anything, she covers her hitch with hitch cover from Trailer Hitch Universe.
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