Who Owns a Harley Davidson Motorcycle?

Who Owns a Harley Davidson Motorcycle?

Many people are of the belief that people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are hardcore, tattooed men with raging testosterone who drink gallons of hard liquor and end up in bar room brawls.

While this profile makes for a good Hollywood movie, the vast majority of Harley owners are really pretty laid-back, friendly individuals who give back to the community.

H. O. G.

The Harley Davidson company has gone to great lengths to build a community of camaraderie among those who own a harley. The enormously successful "Harley Owners Group" (HOG), for example, has over 1 million members worldwide. With local chapters around the globe.  Within this organization, members unite to share their passion for the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.

You will find that the ranks of Harley Davidson owners include men and women ranging in age from 18 to 88. There are some harley owners who have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for more than 50 years. Many of the soldiers who served in WWII became avid fans of the motorcycle, as they were frequently used for transportation during wartime. A few of these soldiers still can be found proudly riding their Harley's today.

There are many celebrities who own Harley's as well.

Among Harley riders are doctors, lawyers, business managers, and a wide variety of men and women from all walks of life.

The number of women who ride Harleys has significantly increased during the past two decades. Perhaps the most famous female Harley motorcyclists are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. Way back in 1915, this mother and daughter duo traveled from New York to California on a three-speed V-Twin with a sidecar.

Another female trendsetter in the motorcycle world was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of the Motor Maids, Inc. Linda first began riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1932. She traveled to many sites around the United States and stories about her travels were published in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began establishing a network of female motorcyclists, which officially became The Motor Maids. The organization was chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1941.  This made it the oldest motorcycle organization for women in North America.

In today's world, modern women of all ages and backgrounds are showing an interest in motorcycles and the lifestyle they can offer. Not only are more women riding street bikes, they also participate in motorcycle racing. Female celebrities, such as pop singer, Pink and supermodel, Niki Taylor, are also jumping into the driver's seat of Harley's and encouraging other women to enjoy the pleasures and freedom of motorcycle riding.

Harley-Davidson has dedicated an entire section to women harley owners, where women can learn to ride, connect with others, read inspirational stories of others like themselves, and get involved with the many activities Harley Davidson has to offer.

A Family Activity

Motorcycle riding is quickly becoming a favorite family activity as well. Modern safety equipment is available to protect children while riding and includes tether straps, helmets, jackets, chaps, and gloves. Touring bikes and cruisers make it relatively easy to take the kids on a weekend camping or road trip.

Many members of today's military forces are avid harley riders. They love the feeling which they experience when they hit the road and connect with like-minded brothers and sisters through sponsored events or charity rides. Harley-Davidson promotes multiple rides for U.S. troops and Veterans.

Community Involvement and Charitable Works

A common trait found among the people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles is that of a giving nature. Harley owners frequently will embark on local or even national charity rides in order to help national organizations or to provide for the needs of someone in their local community.

Through their efforts, Harley owners have raised millions of dollars which have been donated to cancer research, Alzheimer's research, Autism and many other worthy causes.

There is a tremendous amount of camaraderie and friendship among those who own Harley Davidson motorcycles. They are a group of passionate people who love the thrill of adventure. One thing is for certain... there is no other sport that brings together such a diverse group of people from all backgrounds and ages.  People who own a Harley are a varied and interesting band.