Many people have the belief that those who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are tough, tattoo-laden, testosterone-fueled men who drink hard liquor and break up big bar fights. Although this profile works well in the movies, the vast majority of Harley riders are easy-going, friendly people who give back to society.
Harley Davidson has worked very hard to develop a community of fellowship among people who own a Harley. The successful Harley-Owners-Group (HOG) has more than 1 million members worldwide. With local chapters around the world, members come together to share their obsession with the Harley Davidson lifestyle.
Harley Davidson riders include men and women between the ages of 18 and 88. Some Harley riders have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for more than 50 years. Many of the military who fought in World War II became avid fans of motorcycles as they were regularly used for wartime transportation. A certain number of these soldiers still ride today.
The female population of Harley Davidson owners has increased significantly in the last two decades. Perhaps the best known female Harley motorcycle riders are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. In 1915, this mother-daughter duo traveled from New York to California in a three-speed V-Twin with a sidecar.
A different female leader was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of Motor Maids, Inc. Linda started riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1932. She toured the US and stories about her travels were published in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began to establish a network of women motorcyclists, which formally became The Motor Maids. The organization was founded with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1941, making it the oldest cycling organization for women in North America.
Girls of all ages and backgrounds are showing an interest in motorcycles and the way of life they offer. Not only are more girls riding street bikes, but they are also participating in motorcycle races. Female celebrities, like pop singer Pink and model Niki Taylor, are getting into the driver’s seat of Harleys and suggesting other girls ride them.
Riding a motorcycle is also becoming a popular family activity. Safety equipment is available to protect children while riding and includes tethers, helmets, jackets, chaps and gloves. Touring bikes and cruisers make it easy to take the kids on a weekend camping trip or road trip. Many members of the military are passionate Harley owners. They enjoy the feeling they get when they hit the road and connect with other Harley devotees through sponsored events or charity rides. Harley-Davidson supports various rides for US troops and veterans’ charities.
A normal trait of people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles is that of a generous disposition. Harley owners often embark on charity rides to help charities or to meet the needs of someone in their indigenous community. Harley riders have raised large amounts of money in their fundraising efforts and have supported charities dedicated to cancer research, Alzheimer’s research, autism, and many other admirable causes.
There is a wonderful amount of solidarity and friendship among Harley riders. They are a group of enthusiastic people who enjoy the thrill of adventure. One thing is for sure… there is no other activity that brings together such a diverse group of people from all walks of life and ages.