Used Harley Motorcycles

In the driver's saddle: More woman are buying their own bikes and taking to ...

The chrome and steel she rides

Collidin' with the very

Air she breathes

— Neil Young, "Unknown Legend"

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"I always thought Neil Young's ' Unknown Legend' would be a nice way to live life. Besides watching a woman on her own motorcycle is a beautiful thing." — Tanya Oliver, 43, of Topsham

Thinking of riding?

Women riders share their observations and wisdom.

Melanie Jandreau, Lewiston, has 20 years of experience.

The advice I would give women that are just starting out is talk to other women. Dealers are leaning more to women than when I started and that is great. PLEASE take the rider safety course. I see women that learn to ride with their husbands, boyfriends, etc., and are learning old bad habits, like riding side by side. I also recommend taking the experienced rider course every five years or so to refresh yourself. It's amazing how many bad habits you can pick up along the way and not even know it. ENJOY the road.

Molly McGill, 29, of Lisbon, has had her license for three years but "grew up on the back of her father's bike."

There are so many women riders out there nowadays. There's nothing taboo or scandalous about it like when motorcycling first became popular in the 1900s.

Maybe even more importantly, it isn't anything a woman can't do. You start with a small bike (she rides a 1992 Honda CB250L) and like any other motorcyclist — male or female — you trade, swap and move up in size. You find the bike that's comfortable for you and when you're looking for more power, a bigger bike, something nicer, you assess your options and go for it. If you start with a motorcycle that is too large for you or too powerful, it can be very dangerous.

If you are hesitant, take the full weekend safety course. They cover everything including putting you on small bikes and having you drive obstacles (over boards of wood, in figure eights, sharp corners, emergency stopping, etc.) so that by the end of the course, you are very comfortable.

And I always, always, always wear the proper gear. Although I know I'm not the "cool chick" with hair waving in the wind and a tank top on, it gives me a sense of security. And, heck, what guy doesn't dig a girl taking off a helmet and waving her locks around?

Diane Clairmont, 53, of Turner, grew up riding mini bikes (she still has the first bike she bought: an off/on road 1972 Benelli 65cc) and got her license in 1992. She now rides a 2007 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Patriot Edition and a 2010 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited and, along with her husband, John, is licensed to teach the Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified rider course.