How do you feel about women riding?

Question

2 years ago I got my motorcycle learners permit.Last May after I passed the Motorcycle Safety class and getting my endorsement my boyfriend gave me a 2005 Harley Davidson Sportster 883. He won't let me go out alone. He says women don't ride alone. Now granted it's my bike in his name and his insurance and it's about 250 pounds heavier than the Honda Rebel I learned on, so I understand him wanting to be with me while on it, but he doesn't feel I should get my own eventually and ride by myself. How does everyone else feel on that.

Thank you all for the great answers. He bought me the bike as a gift knowing I can't afford one at this time. I believe most of you are right and your answers help me see all views, He cares about me, and he is concerned, and he worries and it is a bit of a chavanistic thing too.

Answer 1

I taught the old lady to ride about 6 years ago. Started her on a Honda-sportster-a big twin. I have since built her 90 FXR into a trophy winning show bike .She is free to ride by herself if she wants, but I am more comfortable when I'm with her. 2 main reasons#1 I am the one who esentially put her on a bike so am I not responsible to a large degree if something happens,and #2 If there were a problem of some kind I'd want to be there to assist.

Answer 2

I have not learned to ride a motorcycle yet, but being a passenger for a while has made me yearn to get out on my own. I would love nothing more than to just get on my bike and ride and ride. I know what you are feeling, but does he?

Understandably, since the motorcycle and insurance are both in your boyfriend's name, I see his concern. Now if his problem is soley with a picture he has painted in his mind that girls don't ride by themselves just because they're girls, then you should sit down and have a talk with him. If you know what you are doing, and always obey the laws, never speed, and know all of the safety precautions, tell him this! But, also tell him why you want to go out riding by yourself. The real reason!

Most of us that love to ride love the freedom! There aren't any doors or seatbelts holding us back! That is what always gets to me when I'm riding! Talk to him, and tell him what you want. You will have to reach a compromise on this, because, like you mentioned, it is technically his bike, even though it was given to you. Legally, you can't, and shouldn't just take off and do your own thing

I wish you luck in sharing your viewpoint with your boyfriend! Happy Riding, in any case!

Answer 3

Though I'm generally an old fashioned kind of guy, I'm all for women who ride. Not "women riders", riders who are women.

A lady friend rode a VN 500 Vulcan from South Texas to N. Michigan, alone. My missus rides and often takes day trips alone, or with my daughter, to birdwatch.

Its good you have a man who is concerned for your safety. There is a technique for picking up a heavy bike that, learned, might ease his mind ( a 100 lb woman can pick up a 900 lb Gold Wing).
ride safe

Answer 4

What do you mean he "won't let you"? He's being controlling and totally unfair. As long as you are comforable and have the skills to ride - do it!

Also if he "gave" you the bike - why is it in is name and insurance. Get your own and then he can't say "boo" to you about whether you ride with him or alone.

Also check out Women in the Wind, Women on Wheels, Yahoo groups for Women motorcycle riders, and craiglist for other female/male/group riders that maybe you can ride with too.

go for it - don't let him hold you back

Answer 5

What is the diff between a man or a woman riding a bike? Do you insist of going with him all the time? Its as dangerous for you as it is for him. He should be with you 24/7, so he can protect you from all the dangers and evils of the world.
As I am a new rider like you, my son told me I should go out on my own to get the experience without anyone watching me.

I hope he is just a worried sweet guy and not a control freak.
Put your big girl panties on and do what YOU want to do.

Answer 6

For starters.....you say the bike and insurance are in his name.....well....I gues that would mean his bike his rules.....if you want to be independant....be independant, get YOUR OWN bike with YOUR OWN insurance....

how often do you ride.....100 miles a year, 1000 miles a year 10000 miles a year.....two years does not mean you are expierienced.....I have been riding since I was 16.....that is almost 20 years.....this past year I put 10,000 miles on MY bike.....my husband still worries about me....and wants to go with me when he can.....and I think that is very sweet of him.....

If you want the freedom, put on you big girl panties.....and show that honey of yours that you are a good rider.....let him ride with you any old time......take short trips alone....50-100 miles....that is only and hour or two trip.....let him know your trip plan.....who what when

Is your relationship built on trust......lots of things to think about.....I wish you the best....nothing like the open road.....

Answer 7

"What's good for the Goose is good for the Gander".
I believe the reverse is true as well.
As long as you are comfortable and careful you should be able to ride. Women can, and do ride alone. To be honest, I don't know many, but it's still true. Title and insurance sound a bit like control, as others have mentioned. When we bought our last auto, I insisted that it be listed in my wife's name, if not both of ours, to avoid the possibility of such an accusation.

Be safe, be careful, but don't be chained.

Freedom is for everyone.
But it's not free.

Answer 8

I ride alot myself (male), and women should be able to ride alone. Someone riding with you doesn't help you ride and better or safer. However, he may be insecure that you are out riding alone in a male dominated field. Worried that your going to "go astray" with so much temptation. While I do see most women riding with a male companion side by side, I see my fair share of women solo. moreso on harley's than sportbikes (what I ride). If any women ride sportbikes in NJ and are looking to go for a good ride thru the twistys let me know, all my friends quit riding and it sucks now...

Answer 9

I ride alone all the time, its the best thing to do, if its your bike, girl just get on it and ride!!! He's probably scared that a lot of men will be flirting with with you that's why he doesn't want you to ride alone. Men love to see women on bikes, so he doesn't want you to get all the attention!!!

Answer 10

I don't think there is anything sexier than a woman riding their own bike.He is probably just worried you'll get hurt.you know that's not a bad thing or meant to insult you in anyway.My mother worries about me getting hurt while i'm riding and i'm 47 yrs. old and been riding since i was 16. It's always good to ride with someone else, alot more fun too.Good Luck and please be careful.