Many people carry the belief that people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are hardcore, tattoo-laden, testosterone-filled men who drink hard liquor and end up in bar room brawls. While this profile makes for a good Hollywood movie, the vast majority of Harley owners are laid-back, friendly individuals who give back to the community.
Harley Davidson has gone to great lengths to build a community of camaraderie amongst those who own a harley. The wildly successful Harley Owners Group (HOG) has over 1 million members worldwide. With local chapters around the globe, members unite to share their passion for the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.
Harley Davidson owners include men and women who range in age from 18 to 88. Some harley owners have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for more than 50 years. Many of the soldiers who served in WWII became avid fans of the motorcycle, as they were frequently used for transportation during wartime. A few of these soldiers still ride today.
The female population of harley riders has significantly increased during the past two decades. Perhaps the most famous female Harley motorcyclists are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. In 1915, this mother and daughter duo traveled from New York to California on a three-speed V-Twin with a sidecar.
Another female trendsetter was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of the Motor Maids, Inc. Linda began riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1932. She traveled around the United States and stories about her travels were published in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began establishing a network of female motorcyclists, which officially became The Motor Maids. The organization was chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1941, making it the oldest motorcycle organization for women in North America.
Women of all ages and backgrounds are showing an interest in motorcycles and the lifestyle they offer. Not only are more females riding street bikes, they are also participating in motorcycle racing. Female celebrities, such as pop singer, Pink and supermodel, Niki Taylor, are jumping into the driver's seat of harley's and encouraging other women to ride.
Harley-Davidson dedicates an entire section to women harley owners, where women can learn to ride, connect with others, read inspirational stories, and get involved with the many activities Harley Davidson has to offer.
Motorcycle riding is quickly becoming a favorite family activity. Safety equipment is available to protect children while riding and include tether straps, helmets, jackets, chaps, and gloves. Touring bikes and cruisers make it relatively easy to take the kids on a weekend camping or road trip.
Many members of the military are avid harley riders. They love the feeling they experience when they hit the road and connect with their fellow brothers and sisters through sponsored events or charity rides. Harley-Davidson promotes multiple rides for U.S. troops and Veterans.
A common trait of people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles is that of a giving nature. Harley owners frequently embark on charity rides to help national organizations or to provide for the needs of someone in their local community.
Harley owners have raised millions of dollars in their fundraising efforts and have donated to cancer research, Alzheimer's research, Autism and many other worthy causes.
There is a tremendous amount of camaraderie and friendship amongst harley owners. They are a group of passionate people who love the thrill of adventure. One thing is for certain... there is no other sport that brings together such a diverse group of people from all backgrounds and ages.
