March 13th, 2009 43 Comments

Women’s only motorcycles: pandering or genius marketing?

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My cookies are frosted right now at all companies that are trying to cash in on the rising number of women motorcyclists. I know that the female demographic is the only one that is having gains these days and that the industry is so much in the shitter that they’ll do whatever it takes to sell motorcycles.

The other day I was going through my RSS reader and I came across an article from Daytona on Women Riders Now about the unveiling of a motorcycle built specifically for women. The company’s name is ROAR motorcycles and they tout themselves as the resource of motorcycles for women.

“Vintage modern” motorcycles. What the F is that?

The ROAR WildKaT is the first motorcycle designed from the ground up for women riders. Seriously, do women really need specially designed motorcycles? Why don’t car manufacturers start building women-specific cars then? Oh wait, they do. It’s the mini-van.

“This bike is making history,” said ROAR Motorcycles president and CEO, Kathy Tolleson, the builder of the motorcycle. “We are challenging the industry with the WildKaT. We will begin manufacturing the WildKaT in the spring of ’09 and we have nothing but high hopes and aspirations that women riders across the land will take notice of this truly unique product,” said Tolleson. “It has a unique look that I would call ‘vintage modern’ and is the best handling bike that I have ever ridden.”

Vintage modern, really? Isn’t that an oxymoron? I don’t quite understand what she means by that. And doesn’t Tolleson seem like the female version of Bruce Rossmeyer, marketing their bikes to older female RUBs? Oh wait, we haven’t talked price point yet. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Tolleson showing off the WildKaT

Tolleson showing off the WildKaT

Where’s the basket and the bell on that custom motorcycle for women?

The bike features a 1200cc Harley-Davidson motor sitting in a chassis that’s able to accommodate short and tall women. The frame suspension can be adjusted from a 23.5 inch seat height to a 29.5 inch height providing women with a custom fit. It has also been ergonomically designed for a woman featuring a narrow tank, adjustable handlebars, an easy-pull clutch and foot controls that can be moved forward or backward eight inches, adjustable in two inch increments without needing any extra brackets. The specially designed exhaust curves forward and around the rider’s foot and is run low below the floorboards. Tolleson says that getting burnt by hot pipes is a major concern among women motorcyclists. Um, I’ve never been burned by my pipes. All it takes is dismounting on the side that doesn’t have the hot pipes, or just being generally aware of your bike and its parts. It’s not rocket science.

Does this motorcycle make my ass look fat?

And to top it all off, the WildKaT has a wiiiiiiide, leather seat to accommodate a woman’s…um…hips. Yeah, hips. So, I guess women with lotsa junk in the trunk can ride a with more comfort and less complaining.

All this can be yours, ladies, for a mere $22,970!

Girls, don’t believe the hype.

Is it just me or are companies like ROAR and Ridley (who market their automatic motorcycles mainly to women) not giving women any credit to be able to handle a regular motorcycle and almost taking advantage of them? It seems they are dumbing down motorcycles just to make a buck. Do you think that the Van Buren sisters had modified “girlie” bikes?

Why are some women buying into the hype?!?! It makes me so angry to see droves of women gathering around the Ridley tent at rallies, sitting on those glorified scooters and to hear that ROAR has reservations piling up for this motorcycle that isn’t even produced.

a nice powder-pink Ridley

a nice powder-pink Ridley

I know that lots of people (women specifically) might not like my opinion. They might say something like”well, who cares what women are riding as long as they’re out there riding?”

Me. I care.

I am a firm believer that if you can’t do something right, you shouldn’t do it at all. If you can’t handle a real motorcycle then you shouldn’t be on one. Period. Riding a motorcycle is not something that everyone is skilled enough to do. And it does require skill. Now, I will insert a disclaimer here that some people with physical disabilities (like my husband’s uncle with a very bad back condition or another friend who has one leg) are given a pass for certain customizations they need to make in order for them to ride. But an able-bodied woman is another story altogether.

Girls, just bite the bullet. Learn to ride properly (most states offer the MSF course and even Harley-Davidson offers a rider’s safety course) and PRACTICE. That’s all it takes to get on your own ride. You don’t need a “woman’s” bike to join the ranks of riders, in fact you will probably be doing yourself more harm than good if people know you are riding a glorified scooter.  Buy a bike, learn to ride and you will get the respect you deserve.

**EDIT**

Also check out the post on Motorcycle Nation Podcast in response to my post. Very interesting to see another point of view on the subject.

Filed Under 43 Comments
  1. Chessie says:
    March 13, 2009 at 10:56 am

    I hate this crap. I’ve always hated being looked upon as an oddity. I’m not an oddity. I’m not your open ended pocket book to riches. I’m not stupid. I’m not gonna fall for this kind of idiocy …

    And thank God I’m not alone. We are not special. We are not breaking new ground for women… that was done by ladies such a Dot Robinson, Adeline and Augusta Van Buren, Vivian Wales, Bessie Stringfield…the list goes on. We don’t want to be singled out; we just want to ride…

    Reply
  2. Kevin says:
    March 13, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    Just browsing your site, and read this about bikes designed for women. Whilst I applaud your we’re-the-same-as-men enthusiasm, there are some differences. Most women are shorter than men for a start, and I’ve known plenty of women struggle with a typical bike on this issue alone. I think it’s the main design feature that needs altering to make a bike more suitable for a woman, as well as lighter too maybe……….. most men are physically stronger than women. Shorter lever spans on the handle bars too, maybe.

    If you’re lucky to be a stall as an average man………. Say at least 5’8”, which is taller than most women, let alone an ideal of 6’, and as strong, then, yup any bike will do. I’m a bit surprised that, as a woman, you are so anti towards any efforts to making biking more accessible to women.

    Me, I’m happier for y’all to stick to riding on the pillion, and cooking up the grub afterwards! (Covers head ready for the onslaught of blows) :o )

    Don’t get mad………. Just joking. :o )
    K.x

    Reply
  3. Carrie says:
    March 13, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    I work at a motorcycle shop as the marketing manager – and it makes me sick to my stomach when I hear the men sales reps say that the Sportster is a “ladies bike” – that is such crap. There is no such thing as a “ladies bike” – a motorcycle is a motorcycle. It is my opinion, that regardless of whether a woman is as strong as a man, or as tall as a man, if she puts her mind to it, she is going to ride whatever the hell she wants! I know many slender women who lack in any serious height, who ride Big Twins, and even Touring Bikes. I do think that we ladies can still be feminine and ride, but if a woman can’t handle a typical motorcycle, then she probably shouldn’t be riding at all.

    Reply
  4. Joker says:
    March 13, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    I don’t think there is anything wrong with gearing certain things towards women, since women are indeed very different from men. In this case though, it’s a rip-off. Harley already makes models suited for shorter riders – of both sexes, the Sportster and Dyna Lows, and the Deluxe. Being able to easily adjust the controls back and forth without new hardware is a great feature, but not for 23 grand! Buying any motorcycle of a comfortable engine size, seat height, weight, and then doing whatever customization is necessary to make it “your own” and rider-friendly is the way to go. Pipes can be wrapped or fitted to go just about anywhere, again for a lot less money.

    Liz, I know you feel patronized and don’t like it, but you can’t blame Tolleson. Making money off shit by convincing people they really need something they could do without is the American way. Who doesn’t know someone who bought the Ginsu Knife??? We all wish we’d thought of it first.

    When you see a woman on one of those, you’ll know she’s just like a guy who walks up to a patch holder he doesn’t know at a rally, and slaps him on the back of his cut – STUPID.

    Reply
  5. Mrs Road Captain says:
    March 13, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    I can see both sides of the issue here. As a woman rider I hate being singled out. I don’t want to be thought of as special or different…separate is inherently unequal. I also happen to be pretty liberated in my thinking.

    There are many women out there who have been brought up to beleive that motorcycles are manly and that they are physically &/or mentally unable to ride their own. So ROAR and Ridley have my permission to market to those ladies all they want!!!

    Some of the features on these bikes that you mentioned though ARE issues for a lot of women who ride. If they weren’t, then places like Tami Walker’s Diva Customs shop (www.divacustoms.com) would go out of business! The company was built on and specializes in customizing bikes for women–so that they “fit” better. Lowered suspensions, easy-pull clutch levers, small diameter handgrips, wide seats, the list goes on….

    A lot of women are spending a lot of money to make their bikes work better for them. By the time they add on all of those costs, the bike generally costs them the same $22K.

    So bottom line, I think that there is definitely a market out there for this kind of thing. And if motorcycle companies don’t go after it, they are stupid. Even if you or I wouldn’t personally buy into it, that doesn’t mean that there are no profits to be made.

    Reply
  6. Biker Lady says:
    March 13, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    Selecting a motorcycle is like selecting a man – it’s a personal decision and whichever one works the best for you is the one you should pick and no one has to like it but you!

    Reply
  7. FLHX_Dave says:
    March 13, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    Hmmm….I actually think that WILDKaT actually has some nice lines. It’s a nice looking bike.

    I hear what you are saying, but, you are a winner here if you think about it. You keep your own kick ass style and let the “Smitten Kittens” eat the “Rippin Kittens” roadgrime. Keep the faith. It doesn’t matter what you ride. We all take the same risks, spills and thrills. I figure that’s the only equality that really matters here.

    Reply
  8. Chessie says:
    March 14, 2009 at 6:58 am

    This is happening all over the motorcycle industry. It’s not the “I can do anything a man can” mentality that I have. Far from it. So most ladies are “weaker” than men. Oh, so teaching a lady how to use physics to ride her bike, to pick it up, to have it behave in the manner she wants it to…rather than having to man handle the bike around…is wrong?

    What’s wrong with teaching women how to handle a bike using the natural balance and laws of physics? Why should she…or a man for that matter, try to pretend she/he can do anything more than strain her back muscles picking the bike up like a HE MAN?

    I believe it’s a nice thing to build a motorcycle that is geared toward the short of stature. Nothing wrong with that, but why send the message that the bike is for females only? I know plenty of guys who will readily admit to being real knuckle draggers or butt draggers when it comes to having inseam length. They would like to be able to buy a bike that is made for the shorter stature…they would like to just plunk their money down and ride without having to go to shop and have this lowering kit put on, that saddle replaced with a lower profile…you see my point? Why do these companies and these ladies fall for the BS of telling women they can’t do it unless they they buy this unit….made specifically for women?

    One last thing, don’t get me wrong…it burns my ass to see such advertising, but in the end…it’s all a matter of perception of self. There is nothing right, nothing wrong…we all see ourselves in differing shades of femininity…some like pink lacy leathers, while others prefer the common link of real practical protective leathers….

    It’s a matter of who prefers to be seen as what…and in the end, I have to wonder if how I see these women who will buy this bike, makes a rat’s ass of differience to anyone…even me.

    It’s the advertising that I see as a sham, a device to lower a woman’s perception of herself…but that’s just my perspective…everyone has one.

    Reply
  9. Torch says:
    March 14, 2009 at 8:21 am

    Interesting viewpoints and commentary. I am leaning on the side of FLHX_Dave’s viewpoint here. I am not biased towards what brand or style motorcycle one chooses to ride, as long as you ride. Obviously, these bikes will not appeal to every woman, but every woman has a rite to ride the bike of their choice and customize it to their individual tastes. I feel that if it get’s more people on two wheels, the better. There is more comfort, voice, and awareness in numbers. I think we would have a riot if Harley came out with a “Fat Girl”. lol. So, if they need a beefier suspension to cary around an extra 100 lb designer purse, and they want it to match their riding boots, let ‘em.

    Ride on,
    Torch

    Reply
  10. One Harley Rider says:
    March 14, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    Great Post – I have sold hand tools all my adult life and I laugh every 5 or 6 years when some competitor introduces PINK tools for ladies, and ends up discontinuing 6 months later. When will they learn.

    Reply
  11. KT Did says:
    March 15, 2009 at 12:04 am

    Why can’t women enter into the market of marketing women?! Makes sense to me. Men have been doing it for ages. As a shorter women, 4’11″, I am on my 4th bike. All but one has been lowered, customed seated, handlebars changed out…all extra $$$. It would be nice, for me anyway, to ride off the floor with no extra costs. Seems this company is doing just that and giving us more choices to pick from in the motorcycle market. I believe that whatever we ride as women is just fine. Why? We love to ride. We find a way. I don’t take it personal that a company is going after women. Its about time I say. We are, already riding what is out there… there is nothing else offered unless one goes custom. Now we have choices off the floor and why not?! There are still plenty of men that don’t agree with the fact that there are women riders. Women marketing women is a specialty and rarity… still. Its positive and one hopes successful in bringing out some great bikes.

    Reply
  12. Latina Biker says:
    March 15, 2009 at 3:17 am

    This concept is nothing new, there are many things that both men and women use that were ORIGINALLY targeted or created for women. Like the automatic transmission in cars was produced and targeted to women because it was viewed that it was hard to shift in high heels, and filters on cigarettes were made to sell smokes to women.
    it seems silly today but it did pay off for those markets.

    Reply
  13. Sue says:
    March 15, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    I understand the anger you feel towards ‘girl-specified’bikes. But as you spout your anger let me explain why I own a Ridley. When I first started riding, I had an accident. I basically shattered my clutch thumb, but they were able to pin it all back together. When I finally got back on my bike, I had a hard time with the clutch. So, we adjusted it. That was all fine, but still, I had good days and bad days and I was tired of my hand dictating when I could or could not ride. I did a search for an automatic motorcycle and the Ridley came up. Personally, I think it’s a great looking bike and you don’t have to pick the the ‘nice powder pink one’. In fact mine is blue and was pre-owned by a guy, yes, a guy… So, maybe instead of just crapping down on a company that knows that what they make will entice women who can’t comprehend shifting, and yes, I know quite a few, maybe you should remember that this bike is of interest to more than just that. Basically, at the tents you will find the giggly girls who tend to ride on the back of a crotch rocket with their thongs hanging out and we all know they ain’t riding anything but the guy….

    Reply
  14. Lizzie says:
    March 15, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    First of all, thanks to everyone for all the comments. Obviously we all have different views on this subject.

    Chessie: I think you and I share the same opinion on this subject. We both seem to feel patronized by some of the companies try to make a buck off of this demographic of the market.

    Kevin: I think you’re sort of stating the obvious and your viewpoint is facilitating the stereotype that because women are smaller in stature that they can’t handle their own bike. There are plenty of short guys out there, too, and I’ve seen plenty of them drop their bikes and need assistance from another person to pick them up. And if I had a banana cream pie I’d smush it in your face for that last comment! ;)

    Carrie: I agree about sales people who push the Sportster! Grr. A woman can ride any bike she wants and there are plenty of techniques being taught out there on how to pick up those bikes on their own if they need to.

    Joker: THANK YOU! Your comment hit the nail right on the nosie. If a person (male or female) wants to find the right kind of motorcycle, then they need to put the time and research in just like everyone else.

    Mrs. RC: I see where you’re coming from. It’s the nature of the business, I guess

    Biker Lady: here, here!

    FLHX Dave: Flattery will get you everywhere! ;) I know that perhaps I shouldn’t get my panties in a bunch over the subject matter, but I just hate us girls taking a bad rap over the sheep who buy into this crap. That’s all.

    Torch: I actually LOL’d about the thought of an HD “Fat Girl!” I think it’s easier for you guys to be more cavalier about the subject matter because it doesn’t really reflect on you as much. Perhaps I’m just prideful.

    One Harley Rider: selling pink tools is definitely along the same lines as what I’m trying to get across. WHY???

    KT: As I was writing this post the one issue I kept bringing up in my head was the issue of women who are a bit shorter than the norm. I am 5’7″, so I can pretty much ride whatever the hell kind of bike I choose. I don’t have the problem of height being an issue and I have to imagine that it must be frustrating for those that do. But you are a good example of the point I’m trying to make. Despite height disadvantage, you can hold your own.

    Latina Biker: I understand the point you’re trying to make but those markets you’ve used as examples have broader appeal to the masses, while motorcycle riding is a smaller niche. Again, riding a motorcycle takes some skill and not everyone should be out there riding.

    Sue: I would be remiss not to state for the record that my opinions in this post are mostly generalized. As I stated in my disclaimer, there are individual instances where people have physical limitations but still want to ride. You fall into that category and I don’t begrudge you to do what it takes to continue riding, in fact I think it’s great. I still think for a physically-abled woman that Ridleys are craptastic and I stand by my opinion.

    Overall, my disdain for these companies stems from the fact that they, in essence, are stating that as a woman, you are not as capable as a man therefore you need special “dumbed down” versions of motorcycles to ride.

    If you want to open up a custom shop that puts out choppers for women that are all pink with Hello Kitty graphics on the tins, great! I’m all for it. If you think that just because I have a vagina I am incapable of using a clutch or shifting gears, or that I’m too stupid to move my foot over my pipes to avoid getting burned when I get on or off my bike, then we have a problem. Being vertically challenged and having a preference for foot controls, floor boards or forwards is not a gender issue it is a person issue. I like that women are now considered worthy to be marketed to in the biker world. However, when I see women being taken in by companies who prefer to take from us rather than give to us, I realize we still have a long road ahead.

    Reply
  15. Latina Biker says:
    March 16, 2009 at 2:12 am

    My point was that markets I have mentioned were targeted to women in those ways. any woman today would be offended if they saw the commercials for cars with automatic transmissions(you see I agree with you).
    infact for years a man driving an automatic was viewed as a sissy, or smoking filtered ciggies. but this was back in the 50′s and for the first time many families were able to afford 2 cars for the first time and the big 3 saw $ signs with guys buying a car for the wife.

    Reply
  16. giest says:
    March 16, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    Kitten, I love you! The fact that you come out and say: “If you can’t handle a real motorcycle then you shouldn’t be on one. Period.” brings a smile to my face. I’m tired of all the bikes being brought out that are special and make riding more accessible and make your pocket book shrink. I hate it and I’m just waiting for that special bike that lets you use your cell phone while riding. Cause you know, riding a motorcycle is easy and super neat! *kills self*

    Reply
  17. Micah says:
    March 20, 2009 at 12:33 am

    OK. I’m going to jump in on this one.

    My wife & I went to Roar’s storefront in Daytona Beach during last Biketoberfest. It’s a nice place and the bikes do look great.

    I did find that the store itself with the massage chairs, makeovers, etc was very pandering. It was actually pretty silly in my (male) opinion.

    The bikes on the other hand were pretty good. The quality was top notch.

    The salesman interacted with my wife directly instead of talking past her to me. I appreciated that. She asked questions and got answers.

    They had all makes and models of bikes that were lowered and had custom seats and paint. They had V Star 650s, Suzuki VL800s, a Road Star, and a couple of others. All of which are “real” bikes in my opinion. It’s not like they were selling 125′s and 250′s.

    My wife took the MSF course and can ride a “real” bike. She started on a Kawasaki KZ and has said that she doesn’t need or want anything bigger than 800cc or so.

    She really liked the fact that the Roar bikes were lowered. She commented that the lower center of gravity made the bike feel more comfortable. For her that was a big selling point and will be the first modification to a new bike when she gets one.

    She also commented that she would really like a bike that was painted a color that would distinguish her bike from mine and others (ie not stock black or red).

    I do understand the pandering aspect, and I think that I can safely assume that the storefront side of Roar would tick off just about everyone that has commented here. The bikes were nice though.

    My biggest problem with the bikes was price. When we were there, it was a $5000 used bike with a $6000 paint job.

    This is the one that she almost bought.

    http://roarmotorcycles.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=118&Itemid=98

    Are motorcycles made specifically for women necessary? Absolutely not.

    Is it good to have options? I think so.

    Reply
  18. Lizzie says:
    March 20, 2009 at 5:57 am

    Micah, thanks for chiming in. I’m sure it’s in their best interest to make sure that the customer service reps approach the women first (otherwise it would blow their business model right out the window).

    Storefront aside, I have no doubt that the bikes were nice and of good quality. I’m not even debating that the WildKaT isn’t a nice bike. It surely is. It’s a “luxury” motorcycle with all of those bells and whistles. Frankly I think $23K is an exorbitant price to pay for it.

    And the bikes that they customize, while are not my cup of tea stylistically, are nice. They’ve got a semi-retired guy working for them that’s been building bikes for 50 years. It’s probably like shooting fish in a barrel for him to customize the bikes they’re selling. But they’re socking it to their client base with the price tag. Paying $12K for a “regular” metric with a nice paint job is ridiculous. (BTW- the bike your wife almost bought is the same bike that I ride, except mine is an ’04.)

    Listen, everyone customizes their bike after they purchase it. I lowered my bike and I really didn’t need to because I’m not that short, but all the dudes (and none of them short dudes) on the Volusia message board were lowering their bikes and loving it, so I did as well. That’s part of the FUN of having your own motorcycle; making it your OWN.

    I think some women think buying a motorcycle is like buying clothes. Most want that tailored look while they’re just buying off the rack. And they’re paying for it, literally.

    Reply
  19. Micah says:
    March 20, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    I totally agree that the prices are outrageous, and I do think that they are using the “Motorcycles for Women” mantra to jack up the prices.

    …and that’s definitely not cool.

    Reply
  20. lostark says:
    March 20, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    Pandering? Yes! Marketing? Yes! Genius? No!
    It’s just business as usual. All marketing is going to include pandering to it’s core market constituents.

    Any good marketing strategy has done the basic research to determine the market for a product or idea and what appeals to that market (otherwise you go out of business real fast.) Clearly not all women will fit the market demographic for ROAR’s products. Just as clearly, there is a significant enough market for investment in the business. (Or so I would presume the business plan would indicate!)

    Obviously, the product is not going to appeal to the author and many others. So what? Should the market need that exists go unmet? That’s not the American way! Why shouldn’t those women who want a ready-made bike for them have the opportunity to buy it? It’s clear $23K is not too much to pay for that market demographic. Have at it!

    Hey! We’re all riders. I don’t give a rat’s ass what you’re riding as long as you do it safely and have fun!

    Reply
  21. Janet says:
    March 23, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    Hey Liz – just thought I’d chime in here. While I admit I initially had the same feeling about the Ridley and its automatic transmission, and I do hate being talked down to, I don’t think that’s what’s going on with the Tolleson bike. I think the adjustable controls and seat heights are really very good ideas, since I’m a shorter rider and can’t just pick any bike off the showroom floor. (Do I think $22k is outrageous? You betcha, I’d never pay it, and I wonder why a bike that fits so many different sizes of people can’t be more accessible, price-wise. But I do appreciate the features – how come HD can’t do this on EVERY bike??)

    As for “vintage modern,” it’s no mystery to me having been around street rods and custom cars for decades. It’s styling with a vintage or retro feel, but technology that’s completely current. At least, that’s what I think of when I hear the term.

    Great discussion!!

    Janet, BikerChickNews.com

    Reply
  22. Jovi says:
    April 6, 2009 at 3:45 pm

    Hey Liz what an interesting post. I’m also a shorter rider and I had my bike lowered, a Low Rider (which is already low). I have mixed feelings about it.. I think it’s great if a person could find a bike that fits them without having to make a bunch of $$$ modifications… but, I don’t particularly like that it’s marketed as a “motorcycle for women” with a price tag of 23K!

    Reply
  23. Synergy says:
    April 9, 2009 at 11:56 pm

    I have to agree with what has been said. I am a female, barely 5’1″ tall and have had my full motorcycle license for about 16 years. I have owned 3 ‘real’ bikes now. The most recent I just purchased and will need to lower slightly, and get the seat shaved down a bit… but hey, it’s a real V-Twin cruiser! Of note: I have REALLY small hands and NEVER had trouble with a clutch! And,… its not rocket science to learn the principals of shifting… really!

    I cringe when I see scooters go by, and the thought of automatic bikes. I personally would not be able to ride an automatic bike, my left hand / foot would be lost with nothing to do lol… And being in a profession that was also male dominated (I am a submariner in the Canadian Navy) I get my fair share of ‘women shouldn’t do this or that’ and it urks me to no end that these things are marketed to women, trying to convince us that we are somehow inferior to men because we have a vagina!

    If someone wants to ride a scooter or an automatic motorcycle (male or female) fine… its their choice, but please DON’T market them as ‘ladies bikes’ sheesh!

    I’d also like to see all the manufacturers just add more flexibility right out of the showroom… like adjustable seat height / foot controls. Why not put those options on most bikes? It cant be that expensive / difficult for them to do can it?

    Reply
  24. B says:
    April 10, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Well that’s a pretty rippin article on Roar – I have to say I do understand everyones point of view. As a new rider who’s never been on a bike before, taken a riders course, and learning a new adventure in my life on a Dyna low rider my head is spinning. As a business women myself, I think it’s a great business opportunity to market bikes that are CUSTOMIZED for women and their needs, to make them feel comfortable and secure when riding. I myself visited Roar and found the facility and staff to be warm, very informative, and the WildKat to be an awesome bike. I may not be a hardcore biker, but i enjoy rider and learning to ride and the roar wildkat really hooked me and put aside the high price, I put a deposit down and in 10 months I hope to owne it. Oh by the way while I was their I found out that men had brought their bikes too. B

    Reply
  25. Cheri says:
    May 18, 2009 at 4:00 am

    In 02 my dyna low-rider cost me $20,000 before I rode it out the door. Smaller hand grips, pipes jetting and air kit, a corbin close seat, wind vest, limited edition purple paint, mini apes, lowering… So $23,000 – 7 years later, to be able go in sit on it and know it will fit from the get go with out having to change the handle bars 3 times before you get it right sounds good to me. I’ve been riding for 33 years and I can ride just about anything, but now as I’m getting closer to 50, being comfortable all day with carpel tunnel is what I’m looking for. I don’t put my right foot down unless I’m on a hill and don’t have a choice, my bike has been lowered 2 inches and I still burn my chaps because my legs aren’t long enough to not touch the pipes. I did consider a Ridley, I have also considered putting an automatic on my dyna and most probably eventually will. The only reason I haven’t is I’m afraid I won’t like it. So for now, I’ve been riding long enough to know by the sound and feel when I can change gears with out pulling in the clutch which helps keep my hand from getting to tired I also use the back brake more than the front. A lot of women (and men too) don’t start riding until they get to be my age and older and have things going on that they have to compensate for. And any one with out lots of experience, needing to ride in the wrong gear or attempting to change gears without clutching is just a big mistake. So I think that Ridley and Roar is doing some good things. However I think it’s good for both sex’s and not just women. The motor company’s have been mostly marketing to men for the last 100 years – so it’s not so bad to have things I want, marketed to me. I also really like the pretty colors and am thrilled that company’s are painting with girlie colors and I have a jacket with full armor in purple, (still waiting for chaps or pants with built in armor in pretty colors). I’ve been riding with the boys for a long time and can ride longer, faster and harder than many. I get respect by being respectful and expecting and demanding to be respected. I have never needed to prove to anyone I’m as good as, or strong as, or tough as the boys. You just need to know you are good enough, strong enough and capable of what ever you’re doing. May be I’m just an oddity but in my almost 50 years I haven’t had anyone tell me I shouldn’t be doing something because I’m a woman, I’ve always just known “anything he can do I can do better” partly because I do have a vagina. Not only can I carry that tool box but I can get you to carry it for me if I want to sir. I also don’t need or want things to be any harder than they have to. So automatic transmissions, lower seats and an easy clutch with pink paint are all good. I worked construction when I was in my 20′s and leaving the work site or night club for that matter, hopping on my bike and having some guy do a double take and ask “is that yours?” it was always fun to say no I found the keys don’t tell anyone, then do a wheelie out the parking lot. We’ve come a long way in the last 30 years.

    Reply
  26. Tina from BC says:
    July 3, 2009 at 2:54 am

    I have to say it’s rediculous that people think a bike needs to be modified for a women. I just bought my first bike which did not require any modifications and I’m not tall 5’3″. If you look around there are many bikes that meet the requirements. I’m also not average weight so let’s get that piece out of the running. I spent 5 years on the back of a bike and I’ve finally decided enough is enough and I want my owne freedom. I’m also not a spring chick… I’m 46 and just starting out. There is absolutely no reason that a bike needs to be designed for a female, there are tons out there that fit. I’ve looked at many and sat on many and quite a large number meet my needs. So ladies, don’t let this marketing scheme fool you. Look for a bike that you like and if it doesn’t have a “for ladies” tag on it…. who cares. If the bike fits buy it! And have agreat time!

    Reply
  27. A Woman Rider says:
    August 30, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    Here is what I don’t get. We buy clothes made for women, handbags made for women, shoes made for women, jeans made for women, jewelry made for women… why are women so afraid to be ‘girly’ when it comes to motorcycles? I guarantee I’m just as skilled and just as fast regardless of what color my bike is. I’m all for customizing bikes to fit a woman’s body and to fit her personality. Just because I ride with men doesn’t mean I have to look and act like them. It’s not a marketing scheme no more than women specific jeans are. WE ARE DIFFERENT than men and it’s OK. It really is.

    Reply
  28. Maggie says:
    October 8, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Watching Kathy ride the new Kat model…..clutch will be burned up before the bike has a 1000 miles on it if Kathy keeps riding it!

    Roar has taken a relatively inexpensive Sportster and added another $14K to the price with easy upgrades that any woman could have done!

    Yes it is nice to be able to ride it out of the showroom immediately already finished, but if you are that much of an impulse buyer you have a lot more money than I do.

    Roar has some nice paint jobs that make the bikes attractive to new female riders. Can’t say much for their “retail” sales staff. Guess because I’m a seasoned female rider they didn’t bother to approach me or even great me any of the times that I have been in the shop!

    Reply
  29. Mickey says:
    October 31, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    First, it is wrong to tell other people what kind of bike they should buy. If you are happy with your huge bike and shifting all the time, then great, but don’t push that on me or anyone else. Like cars and RV’s and homes, everyone has different finances and needs. I choose an automatic so I can quick react to crazy drivers and bikers. I choose not to have road rash, serious injuries or expensive repair bills but a bike I can man handle in emergency situations. You are the 2nd person I have seen go off about shifting. There are those who say if you don’t own a Harley, you are not a real biker. Do you own a Harley? I want to encourge anyone to get the bike that fits you, that you can safely drive – not one to impress people you don’t like:) I have lived all over the country (AF Retired) and driven it via car and RV and only have had 1 person rear end me in my whole driving career – accidents can be avoided if you want to.

    Reply
  30. Trish says:
    October 31, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    Well, I have the FLSTC, had 2 sportsters and one Honda Rebel (for a month). I wanted 6 gears since everything around here is 55mph or more. I had the second sportster outfitted almost as much as the FLSTC. I have seen more men than women on sportsters. I have never heard the HD dealer saying that it is a ladies bike WHEN GUYS who ride them are around. LOL. I think they are just creating a spin so guys will buy higher to start with and women will buy a more expensive bike once they get used to it. Ridley’s have been around for a long time and not for women. I don’t think people should worry about other people’s rides unless they are just dangerous. Machismo can be a fatal flaw in M riding. The Sportsters actually don’t have the lowest seats. They are just lighter wt than the others.

    Reply
  31. Lizzie says:
    November 12, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    Mickey: I don’t believe I told anyone what kind of bike they should buy. As I stated in the post and will reiterate here, IT TAKES SKILL TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE.

    Quick reaction to drivers, road rash, injuries and bills have nothing to do with an automatic motorcycle. Your “argument” stating that’s why you ride an automatic only supports my claim that if you don’t know how to ride then you don’t belong on a motorcycle. Period.

    I don’t ridicule people for the rides they choose unless they’re lazy about it. If you have a disability that needs to be accounted for, then by all means go for an automatic or a trike. If you ride an automatic because you think it’s “safer”, well then you’re just fooling yourself into a false sense of security.

    And if you were familiar with my blog at all you would know that I *don’t* own a Harley and am not a Harley fan-girl.

    Trish: any guy who rides a Sportster is a wannabe HD guy and should be ashamed of themselves. I agree that I don’t believe a Sportster *should* be pushed on women. They look incredibly uncomfortable, but at the price point and engine size it would appear that’s what HD thinks is appropriate for ladies.

    Going back to the original point of this post, the WildKAT is a silly, overpriced motorcycle and I feel that it’s taking advantage of ladies who don’t know any better.

    Reply
  32. Mickey says:
    November 30, 2009 at 9:34 pm

    That pink Ridley in your article, I just bought one and love it! I obviously know how to shift since I passed the MSF course, however it does not make me a better or safer rider. At 5 ft tall, weight, seat height, etc. matters most. I did not have to pay 1 cent for modifications! I agree the price for new automatics are too high – I recommend buying a recent used one (mine had all the bells and whistles) that is low milage (mine is an 06 with 2.8 K miles). I have read about too many women’s bikes sitting in the garage because it doesn’t fit, too big or not comfortable on it. When you sit on the right bike, you will know it! Happy shopping and riding!

    Reply
  33. Reyzie says:
    January 7, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    Technically, if one’s open to something other than just a cruiser, there are MANY “gender-neutral” bikes available.

    For example, every super sport (CBR,GSXR,ZX,etc) fits 5’5″ (and shorter) riders just swimmingly! (Much to my 6’0″ chagrin. But that’s a topic for another day.)

    Yes, seat heights are a little taller, but that’s easy to adjust to. Don’t believe you need to stand flat-footed over your bike. My 5’0″ daughter rides my bikes, including my ultra-tall dirt bikes, just fine…

    Reply
  34. Gertie says:
    January 24, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    I just went to the Motorcycle show in NYC and sat on many bikes. I have a sportster that I love, but… I wish Harley would design a bike for women that has more amenities, such as a low rider sportster, with a hydraulic cluth, with a small ferring with a radio. Just because I am a shorter, smaller woman rider doesn’t mean I want a pink, automatic bike. Bur I would like a mini tourer that is light enough for me to feel comfortable with. And I know there are taller woman who ride larger, heavier bikes and I appreciate that too, but more woman are going to ride in the future and Harley and Honda are missing the boat…In my opinion.

    Reply
  35. Susan Andersen says:
    February 21, 2010 at 10:55 am

    I have so enjoyed reading all the posts. Please allow me to clear up a few misconceptions. First, the WildKaT does not have an automatic transmission. Secondly, it is the first production bike designed by women for women in the world. It is not a Sportster, it was manufactured from the ground up and simply uses a Harley motor and drivetrain.

    I am a magna cum laude graduate candidate of the University of Richmond and worked for 30 years at the largest telecommunications company in the United States. My husband has a Harley Ultra Classic and I currently ride a Roar customized Yamaha 650.

    Oh, and I am the owner of WildKaT #1.

    Reply
  36. Susan Andersen says:
    February 22, 2010 at 8:34 am

    What happened to my post?

    Reply
  37. Lizzie says:
    February 22, 2010 at 11:09 pm

    Susan, first of all let me educate you about something: this is a blog. More importantly, this is MY blog and your comments get approved when I feel like approving them.

    So, let me address what you feel are misconceptions:
    #1: nowhere in my post did I ever say that the WildKaT has an automatic transmission, if you’ll notice I was talking about the Ridley.

    #2: nor did I say that it was a Sportster.

    I think your reading comprehension is rusty.

    I don’t know what you being a magna cum laude graduate of the U of Richmond *or* your 30 yrs in telecomm has to do with anything…except that it makes you a pompous, smarty pants that paid WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FOR A MOTORCYCLE.

    You are clearly the demographic that ROAR is marketing to, by the way I have 10 years experience in marketing and advertising, and you are the classic, text book example of an older female R.U.B.

    Enjoy that WildKat #1.

    Reply
  38. Susan Andersen says:
    February 23, 2010 at 9:57 am

    OK Truce! Truce! I think you have a great blog here – And I think you and I are more alike than different. I’d rather be friends than enemies. Take care.

    Reply
  39. Lizzie says:
    February 23, 2010 at 11:41 am

    Susan, truce it is.

    Anyone who is a frequent reader of mine knows 2 things: I’m *highly* opinionated (for better or worse) and I deflect comments that scrutinizes my opinions. Consider it an endearing personality flaw. :)

    Clearly this post in particular has hit a nerve with a lot of people, whether they agree with me or not. And perhaps I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder as well…

    In all honesty, I don’t begrudge ANYONE, women particularly, in their decisions on what kind of motorcycle they decide to buy. Whatever works for them is no business of mine. As long as they’re out there riding, I encourage and respect that.

    Perhaps it is my experience in advertising & marketing that causes me to be a bit jaded and dubious towards companies, whether it’s ROAR, HD or any other company, who specifically targets the women riders demographic.

    It is my hope that ladies in the market looking for a new ride make a smart, educated decision when they purchase, rather than becoming an “easy mark” in the scopes of these companies that are creating specially designed bikes for women.

    If you love your WildKaT then I am happy for you. I love my Volusia and it cost a fraction of what ROAR charges for their bikes.

    Reply
  40. Susan Andersen says:
    February 23, 2010 at 11:59 am

    Sweet! Now, here’s an offer. If you’re in Daytona for Bike Week, I would like you to be my guest at the planned public unveiling of my WildKaT. The date is Friday, March 5, 2010. And if she’s ready to ride, it would be my pleasure for you to try her out.

    Reply
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