A lot of people carry the belief that those who have Harley Davidson motorcycles are hardcore, tattoo-laden, testosterone-filled males who guzzle hard liquor and wind up big bar fights. Even though this profile works well in the movies, a vast majority of Harley riders are easygoing, friendly people who give back to society.
Harley Davidson has worked very hard to develop a community of companionship amongst folks who own a Harley. The wildly successful Harley-Owners-Group (HOG) has over 1 million members around the globe. With local divisions around the globe, members unite to share their obsession for the Harley Davidson way of life.
Harley Davidson riders include men and women who range in age from 18 to eighty eight. Some harley riders have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for over 50 years. Lots of of the servicemen who fought in World War Two became avid fans of the motorbike, as they were regularly used for transportation in wartime. A certain number of these soldiers still currently ride.
The female population of Harley Davidson owners has significantly risen over the past two decades. Maybe the most well-known female Harley motorcyclists are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. In 1915, this mother-daughter duo traveled from New York to California on a three speed V-Twin with a sidecar.
A different female leader was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of the Motor Maids, Inc. Linda began riding a Harley Davidson motorbike in 1932. She rode around the USA and stories about her travels were printed in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began establishing a network of female motorcyclists, which formally became The Motor Maids. The organization was chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1941, making it the oldest bike 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, they are also participating in motorbike racing. Female celebrities, such as pop musician, Pink and model, Niki Taylor, are entering the driver’s seat of Harleys and suggesting other girls to ride.
Motorcycle riding is also turning into a popular family activity. Safety equipment is available to protect children while riding and include tether straps, helmets, jackets, chaps, and gloves. Touring bikes and cruisers simplify the task of taking the kids on a weekend camping or road trip. Loads of members of the military are passionate Harley owners. They enjoy the feeling they have when they hit the road and hook up with fellow Harley devotees through sponsored events or charity rides. Harley-Davidson supports various rides for U.S. troops and Veterans’ charities.
A normal trait of individuals who own Harley Davidson motorbikes is that of a giving disposition. Harley owners often embark on charity rides to assist charitable organizations or to provide for 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 a lot of other admirable causes.
There is a wonderful amount of solidarity and friendship amongst Harley riders. They are a group of zealous people who enjoy the excitement of adventure. One thing is for sure… there is no other activity that unites such a diverse group of people from all walks of life and ages.