I’ve had my fair share of falls and crashes with my motorcycle, but having the right gear to protect my body made all the difference when it came to recovery. If anything was loose or too big, I paid for it. Luckily, that was back before gear manufacturers began to focus on the needs of women riders and create gear that fits snugly and comfortably so women can have a safer ride.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Icon Stryker Vest
In the sportbiking lifestyle, sometimes fashion outweighs function. Many of today’s female sportbike riders prefer edgy, alternative garments with spunky designs and vibrant colors. So the quest becomes finding pieces that are fun to wear but also provide a level of protection.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Cat Out’a Hell Armored Hoodie
Nichole Cheza is one of two women racing in a sport dominated by men. Nichole, at 24 years old, is a professional flat track racer competing in the AMA Pro Racing Grand National Championship (GNC) series.
Racer Profile: 10 Minutes with Flat Tracker Nichole Cheza
Shayna Texter, a 20-year-old flat track racer, made history late November when she became the first female in AMA Grand National history to win a GNC Pro Singles main event. Shayna’s win marks the first time a woman has won a main event in the more than 50-year existence of the sport, considered the oldest and most traditional form of motorcycle racing.
VIDEO: Woman Makes History in Motorcycle Racing
The Honda Gold Wing is well known for the smooth ride and outstanding comfort it offers to riders, making this bike arguably one of the best for touring. But what happens when you add an extra wheel?
TRIKE REVIEW: Trike Conversion of Hondas 2012 Gold Wing
Once in a while, a motorcycle is introduced that I believe has “woman rider” written all over it. The 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback is one of those motorcycles. Why do I think this? Because it is a purpose-built touring motorcycle designed for riders who can’t or don’t want to handle the large touring motorcycles—and that description fits the majority of women riders.
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2012 Harley-Davidson FLD Dyna Switchback, with Video
It makes a great trivia question: What Harley-Davidson has the lowest seat height? Well, up until 2010, it was the Fat Boy Lo, at 24.3 inches. But in 2011, Harley unveiled a mid-year release model—meaning it came out a few months after the other 2011 models were announced—and this motorcycle now lays claim to having the lowest seat height of any Harley-Davidson.
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2011/2012 Harley-Davidson Blackline
People always wonder why I choose to ride a sportbike. They ask, “Aren’t you afraid of what might happen?” For me, riding a sportbike is where I feel at home.
Women Sportbike Riders Vs. Women Cruiser Riders
When you think of Triumph, your mind may automatically go to the cute and nimble Bonneville or the sporty Daytona or Speed Triple. But during the last few years, this British company has been building up its stable of cruisers, knowing many Americans love laid-back cruising motorcycles.
MOTORCYCLE REVIEW: 2011/2012 Triumph America Thunderbird Storm, UPDATED WITH VIDEO
Trikes are more popular than ever, and to capitalize on this growing interest, South Dakota-based Lehman Trikes invited trike lovers to rev up their engines for its inaugural All-Trike Ride at the Sturgis Rally in August. The ride was part of the company’s Good Turn Trike presentation, awarding one deserving winner with a brand-new trike.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: First All-Trike Ride at Sturgis