May 6, 2023 marked the 16th annual International Female Ride Day. Back in 2007, female motorcycle advocate and riding instructor, Vicki Gray deemed that the first Saturday each May would be set aside to recognize female bikers across the globe. It has been listed as an official holiday ever since.

 

As we celebrate this day, we’d be remiss not to take a look at how much the female rider community has grown over the years. In fact, it’s the fastest-growing portion of the biker sector, and it’s expected to continue gaining steam in the years to come. Though lady riders might have largely been considered a bit of a shock in the past, all that has changed at this point.

 

How Many Female Motorcycle Riders Are There Now?

 

Many of you may be wondering what percentage of motorcycle riders are female right now. According to the latest reports, an average of 20 percent of America’s riders are now female. Around the time IFRD began, that figure was hovering around 10 percent. By a decade ago, it had risen to nearly 15 percent. It’s expected to surpass 25 percent within the next few years.

 

To put that into perspective, about 1 in 5 motorcycle owners and riders in America are now female. From the 1930s through the ‘60s, this would have been virtually unheard of. Even today, most people don’t fully realize just how much this sector has grown. IFRD was partially created to raise awareness and foster growth in this arena.

 

Taking a Closer Look at Female Bikers

 

Numbers vary among female bikers in different age groups. Millennials seem to make up the lion’s share right now with 26 percent of female riders being ladies between the ages of 25 and 40. Generation X, ladies between the ages of 41 and 58, are next in line at about 22 percent.

 

Not very long ago, quite a few women would have been stunned, or at the very least concerned, if their daughters mentioned wanting to acquire their motorcycle licenses and purchase bikes. Today, though, it appears that moms, daughters, and granddaughters may increasingly be riding together as we move forward. With Mother’s Day taking place not long after IFRD, we may even see new celebratory trends emerging in the coming years.

 

What Is IFRD?

 

As mentioned, International Female Ride Day was established to celebrate lady riders around the world. It’s also a way to encourage more women to become part of the biker community. That sentiment isn’t restricted to traditional riders, either. A growing number of women are entering motorcycle racing, motocross, and other two-wheeled sports.

 

By some accounts, female riders only make up about 10 percent of professional and sport racers at this point. Still, that’s a larger number than only a few years ago. IFRD helps to encourage more ladies to jump on board. If they love the thrill of the track or course, there’s no reason not to pursue that passion.

 

IFRD is also a time for lady riders to get together in honor of their love of riding. They can share the freedom of the road and the joy of the wind on their faces in person as a community rather than online or only during chance meetings. Though female riders’ clubs are cropping up these days, they’re still few and far between in the grand scheme of things. As a welcome side effect, IFRD may play a key role in changing that.

 

How Is IFRD Celebrated?

 

On last count, lady riders in more than 120 countries observe IFRD. Though there are no set-in-stone rules on how to celebrate, the general idea is for women riders to make it a point to get out and about on their bikes. Some venture out alone whereas others do so with fellow female riders.

 

Official events to commemorate the occasion are becoming more common as well. All it takes is searching for #IFRD or #International Female Ride Day to find one. Some women are organizing group rides or charity events to mark the day and sway more ladies to come out and celebrate.

 

Despite the growing awareness and celebration of IFRD, this is still a relatively little-known event. That’s especially true when compared to the fame of the Sturgis or Daytona Bike Rallies. That’s sure to change moving forward, though.

 

Which Bikes Are Best for Female Riders?

 

It’s no secret that motorcycles have long been geared more toward men than women. That’s the case from the perspective of manufacturers as well as society as a whole. Back in the 1980s, brands started marketing to new crowds with female riders included. Things have certainly taken off from that point as a growing number of motorcycle models are being designed with ladies and smaller riders in mind.

 

Which types of motorcycles are the most popular among female riders? Based on recent sales, many women choose various cruiser models. Of course, sport bikes are becoming increasingly popular as well. In truth, though, no bike is off-limits as long as it fits the rider. Considering the growing selection of customizable bikes on the market, other styles are sure to rise through the ranks. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the specific models women are drawn to.

 

• Harley-Davidson Softail Low Rider - One great bike for ladies is Harley-Davidson’s Softail Low Rider. Its lowered seat makes it a nice choice for shorter riders. At the same time, it’s a lighter model that offers plenty of speed and power for those who want a more comfortable ride without making unnecessary sacrifices.

 

• Kawasaki Ninja - Another model in the sport bike category, the Kawasaki Ninja is a lighter, lower model that fits smaller riders nicely. The 250 and 300-cc models come highly recommended. Although other members of the Ninja lineup have lower seats than these two, their larger engines and faster speeds aren’t ideal for new riders. They could be great for more experienced female riders, though.

 

• Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow - As the name indicates, the Sportster 883 SuperLow is another model built with a lower center of gravity than some of its counterparts. That makes it easier to handle and maneuver while also making getting on and off the bike a bit more manageable.

 

• Yamaha R6 - Yamaha’s R6 is a 599 cc sport bike that has truly risen through the ranks in the motorcycle realm. Though more powerful models are on the market, this one offers a nice blend of stability and responsiveness. Some say it offers a more comfortable ride than others in its category, and it’s one of the lighter models for better handling and control.

 

• Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe - Going by looks alone, Harley-Davidson’s Softail Deluxe is a more basic model. That doesn’t mean it’s short on power, comfort, or handling. Its 1745-cc engine gives it plenty of get-up-and-go, and like the other models listed here, it has a low seat height and less bulk than larger cruisers.

 

• Triumph Street Triple 765 - As a naked bike, the Street Triple 765 offers a bit of a stripped-down appearance with the speed and performance of a sport bike. It features smooth shifting and ample power though newer, more inexperienced riders may want to stick with the more basic R model instead of its faster counterparts.

 

• Honda CB500F - Though the Honda CB500F is considered a mid-size bike, it’s also light and easy for smaller riders to handle. It has a lower seat than some other motorcycles in its class, and its foot and handlebar controls are perfectly positioned for easy reach. It’s great for both daily riding and weekend outings.

 

• Harley-Davidson Street Glide - Unlike most of the bikes on our list, the Street Glide is a touring model. It’s a little higher and heavier than many of the previously mentioned models, but it also features an adjustable seat for a little extra leeway. It’s comfortable, powerful, and stylish in true Harley-Davidson fashion.

 

Those are only a few of the possibilities. Numerous smaller, lighter motorcycles and customizable versions are on the market. As more women discover the satisfaction of riding, the selection will most certainly grow even more.

 

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle

 

Each of these motorcycles is great for women, smaller riders, and newcomers. Several other models fit this description as well, and the selection continues to grow. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be difficult. To find the perfect bike and avoid the buyer’s remorse so many people suffer from later on, keep the following points in mind.

 

Bike Type

 

Choosing the right type of bike is the first step. That, alone, should be done carefully. Cruisers are more popular among women because of their size, weight, and style. Sport bikes are in demand for the same reasons. Of course, certain touring and standard bikes offer the same features. Cruisers, touring bikes, and standard motorcycles are generally considered more comfortable than sport bikes because of their upright riding position. Decide on a riding style and persona while trying out different motorcycles.

 

Height

 

From there, try out different models for size. Visit a dealership to test various bikes in person. Sit on them, and plant both feet comfortably and firmly on the ground while in an upright position. If that’s not possible, the bike is too tall. Though having the seat lowered and other alterations made to make the bike a more suitable fit is an option, that’s going to drive up the cost of the bike. It’ll also mean having to wait longer to enjoy it.

 

Weight

 

Rock the bike back and forth to test out its weight. If pulling it back to an upright position is difficult, it may be best to move on to a smaller or lighter model. Remember, if righting it while simply sitting on it isn’t easy, it’s going to be even more difficult during a long ride and when maneuvering through heavy traffic.

 

Those are some of the most important factors to think about when choosing a bike. After testing different models in person, it’s certainly possible to find similar versions elsewhere if those that are in stock aren’t quite right. Additionally, extra features can always be added later on to personalize the bike and give it more flair, comfort, power, or virtually any other aspect that isn’t quite up to par.

 

More Interesting Facts About Female Motorcycle Riders

 

Along with the rising female motorcycle rider population comes quite a few interesting statistics. For one, at least 60 percent of women who ride take part in ongoing motorcycle safety courses. On a related note, female motorcycle operators appear less likely to be in serious accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that only 8 percent of the operators who were killed in crashes during the last year for which information is available were female. 

 

Research also shows that approximately half of female riders prefer to work on their own bikes rather than have someone else perform maintenance for them. It’s also interesting to note that the female riding community isn’t exactly a new development. Many women have paved the way for the movement taking shape today.

 

A couple of the most famous early lady riders were the Van Buren sisters. Back in 1916, they set out on a mission to become official military dispatch riders during World War I. Riding Indiana Power Pluses, they spanned 5,500 miles over the course of 60 days to prove that women could ride just as well as men.

 

They faced several hurdles along the way and were reportedly arrested multiple times for wearing military leggings and leather riding breeches as they rode, which was apparently unacceptable for ladies of the time. Though they completed their journey successfully and proved their point, their requests to become military motorcycle dispatch riders were denied.

 

Lady Riders: The Future of the Biker Community

 

Ladies operating motorcycles hasn’t always been a common convention. In fact, just a few decades ago, it was considered quite taboo. That’s no longer the case as the female rider community is quickly spreading. A growing range of motorcycles is especially suited to female riders as well. The Van Buren sisters and many others to follow in their footsteps would be proud to see what they helped to accomplish, and today’s riders are breaking down barriers for those to come.