I have to be honest I don’t own any HD gear, but I don’t think the size and shape issues are just with HD’s merchandise. I think a lot of manufacturer’s forget that women who need functional gear aren’t shaped like size 0 models. I still have to buy men’s gear because of that. They’re coming along, but still have a ways to go!

My whole point in all of this is that I just don’t want women to sell themselves short. I was so stoked when I saw more and more women starting to get in the front instead of riding in the back, but then disappointed when I was at a few rallies and I saw a LOT of them have their men park their bikes for them in tight parking spots. Ergh. Not quite the image we want to convey…

I go back and forth with the whole marketing to women stuff. On one hand it’s kinda nice but on the other hand I’m not going to make a decision on something because it’s marketed for a woman.

I agree with you about marketing these bikes to height challenged people instead of just women. I’m 5’4″ and when I can finally afford my Harley I’m not going to buy a Sportster even though the dealership tells you it’s a beginner bike or a good bike for a woman. And I’m definately not going to buy a bike just because some guy tells me what they think I should ride. I’ll buy the bike that I like, that makes me go weak in the knees, and then lower the bike to fit me!

I’m also not much of a girlie girl…give me SKULLS and BLACK!!! The one thing that bugs me the most is the HD clothing that I have to select from…roses and pink…give me a break. I want badass looking clothing with skulls just like the boys have. Plus I have some curves and HD seems to forget this at times. I think they think that any woman that is into Harleys is a stick girl size 0.

Well…that’s all I’ve gotta say…thanks for sharing your views. You gave me some stuff to think about. You remind me a lot of my friend Kristin. You and her would get along so well. We’ve had some great conversations about how she feels when guys try to help her back her bike up or guys don’t let her lead the ride, etc. I rode on the back of her bike all the way to Sturgis and back in 2004 and that chick can handle a Road King better then a guy!