If you have a need for speed but no desire to feed the egos that seem to dominate the track environment, you’re in luck. Three women-oriented track days are set for this summer, offering women riders of all skill levels the opportunity to hit the track in a fun, supportive and safe environment.
Womens Track Days Set for This Summer
I hear from so many riders with heavyweight bikes—the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic, Honda Gold Wing and Yamaha Venture, just to name a few—who say these bikes are heavy and clumsy. A lot of riders tell me they’ve been riding motorcycles for 20 or 30 years and just purchased their big dream bike but believe they may have made a mistake.
Riding Right: Get More Control Over Your Motorcycle
Intercom communication devices are not new to motorcycling. It’s common to see two couples on two Gold Wings with microphones attached to the sides of their helmets, rider and passenger talking to each another and rider and rider talking too. A few years ago, Cardo Systems came onto the market with the scala rider line of headset intercoms and reached out to me in an effort to get the word out to women motorcyclists.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Scala Rider G4 PowerSet Intercom System
If you’re a regular reader of Women Riders Now, you’re familiar with our sparkly contributor Diva Amy, who writes our “Blingin’ With Diva Amy” column. Last year, Amy and some friends formed the Diamond Posse, a riding group that raises money for charities. For 2011, the Diamond Posse is partnering with NEADS and their Canines for Combat Veterans Program.
Diamond Posse Names New Charity
You may have seen Hot Leathers in the vendor area at motorcycle rallies. The company has been making leather patches, jackets and other riding accessories for more than 25 years.
Fun Patches and Jackets for Women Riders
Harley-Davidson continues to add to its line of functional riding gear by releasing a new layering system that keeps riders warm without adding all the bulk. Its a product all riders should check out, not just those who ride a Harley. The Rider Comfort System (RCS) is three-layer customizable layering system designed specifically for women.
New Layering System Without the Bulk
Manufacturers regularly update and improve upon motorcycles already in their lineups, but last year Honda didn’t just make an existing model better—it designed a brand-new VFR. A sleek, 167-horsepower, liquid-cooled, 76-degree V-4 VFR1200F has taken the place of the “either you love it or hate it” VTEC VFR800.
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2010 Honda VFR1200F DCT With Automatic Transmission
Excitement was high at this years Indianapolis Dealer Expo in February, where motorcycle dealers shop for new products to put in their stores. Even though the uncertain economy kept a lot of exhibitors from attending, there were still plenty of new products to look at. The good news is that the marketplace seems to be responding to the increasing number of female motorcycle riders, and our choices in quality riding gear continue to expand.
New Helmets, Accessories and More
No matter how you slice it, women riders are still motorcycling underdogs. For years, I wore men’s boots because women’s styles just weren’t available. I’m talking about real riding boots with reinforced and sturdy waterproof material, ankle protection, and nonskid soles. All I found on the women’s shelves were boots with ridiculously high heels and frilly adornments.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Waterproof Riding Boots from Harley-Davidson
To some, the age of 50 is anticipated with dread. Me? I started planning my 50th birthday celebration a year or two before I even reached that age. I considered 50 a milestone to celebrate—a time to revel in the joy of feeling young and alive with endless possibilities!
Reader Story: Celebrating 50 Years with a Solo Trip