As of 2018, the number of female motorcycle owners had risen to 19 percent of all owners. That's an increase of about 10 percent over a decade. Motorcycle manufacturers, including Harley-Davidson, have responded by engineering lighter bikes with a shorter seat height. Today, women can choose among many motorcycles that are preferable for their size and strength. Used motorcycles offer a more affordable choice for ladies looking to save some money.

Advantages of Smaller Motorcycles

Motorcycling traditionally was viewed as an activity primarily for men, but women continue to become a larger part of this market. Smaller, lighter motorcycles boost confidence in being able to more easily manage the ride and maneuver in different situations. That's especially the case when someone is gaining initial experience with being a motorcycle driver. 

The Affordability of Pre-Owned Vehicles

Many women dream of buying a new motorcycle one day, but they might prefer a used model first. As with automobiles, most individuals begin by purchasing a pre-owned version because of the affordability. Buying a used bike allows both men and women to have a high-quality motorcycle without spending a large amount of money. They avoid having monthly payments that stretch the budget.

Trying the Lifestyle

This is also a good option for people who aren't sure how much they will like owning a motorcycle. Men and women often begin the motorcycling lifestyle as passengers of experienced biking aficionados. A person who has spent a fair amount of time as a passenger might love the activity while not being quite sure how much he or she will enjoy being an owner.

Beginning with a pre-owned motorcycle helps a female buyer learn how much time she'll actually devote to this activity. She'll be able to practice and hone her skills. Perhaps the friend or relative she's been riding with can show her the ropes.

Some individuals eventually find they prefer to ride with another person at the helm rather than being in charge. Instead of a bigger expense at the beginning of this experiment, they can find a lower-cost bike and see whether the lifestyle is appealing.

Getting Started

Unless the person has already decided on a model, learning about available options is the first step. Women might want to write a shortlist of their favorites and then check the inventory at a local dealership. They can reach out to used Harleys dealers in person or online.