Harley Davidson for Her: Best Models for Women

When selecting the perfect Harley-Davidson for a woman, factors such as a lower center of gravity, seat height, and overall maneuverability play an essential role in ensuring an enjoyable and safe ride. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the top Harley-Davidson models known for their suitability and popularity among women riders.

It’s important to note that an experienced female rider can manage any Harley a man can. We’re focusing more on beginner riders in this article though. The truth of the matter is, smaller riders (both men and women) have a disadvantage when it comes to taller, heavier motorcycles. Experience can make up for that, but until then, it’s important to buy a Harley model that suits you best.

What Should A Woman Look For In A Motorcycle?

When it comes to finding the perfect motorcycle, it’s important to consider how a woman’s body type might differ from a man’s. Ensuring that the motorcycle fits comfortably is essential for a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

Seat height

The first thing you should look for is the seat height. Since women generally have shorter legs compared to men, a lower seat height is preferable. This allows for easier control and maneuverability when riding.

Many Harley-Davidson models cater to shorter riders, offering reduced seat heights, mid-mounted controls, and slightly lower suspension that make the bike easier to ride. Aim for a seat height that allows you to have both feet flat on the ground when stopped.

Motorcycle weight

Another important factor to consider is the motorcycle weight. A lighter bike is typically easier to handle, especially for smaller or less experienced riders.

Choose a bike with a manageable weight to ensure you feel confident and in control when riding. Some popular Harleys with lower curb weights include the Iron 883 and the Low Rider S.

Handlebar reach

The handlebar reach plays a crucial role in your ability to comfortably control the motorcycle. Women tend to have shorter arms, which can affect their reach to the handlebars. Select a bike with handlebars that are easy for you to reach without straining your arms or shoulders.

Styling preferences

Finally, consider your own styling preferences when choosing a motorcycle. There is a wide range of Harley-Davidson models available, each with their own distinct designs and features. Whether you prefer a sportier look, classic cruiser design, or something in between, Harley-Davidson has a motorcycle for you.

Why A Harley Davidson Is A Great Choice For A Woman

The number of women choosing to buy a motorcycle is continuously rising. In 2003, women accounted for just 9.6% of American riders. By 2018, that number doubled to 19%!

Owning a Harley can be empowering and rewarding, allowing women to confidently take on the open road and enjoy the unique riding experience they offer.

Firstly, cruiser-style motorcycles like Harleys have lower seat heights compared to sport or adventure bikes. This makes it easier for a woman to feel comfortable and confident while riding, even if they have a shorter leg length.

Moreover, Harleys usually don’t have an overwhelming amount of power, which can be intimidating for new riders. This allows women to enjoy the ride without feeling overwhelmed by excessive speed or acceleration.

Perhaps most importantly, owning a Harley Davidson can provide a sense of “girl power” and pride, as it breaks the stereotype of these bikes being predominantly owned by men.

Another advantage of choosing a Harley Davidson for a woman is that many models can easily have their ride height adjusted. This means that if a rider feels the standard height is still too tall, they can customize the bike to better suit their individual needs.

Lowering the ride height not only makes the bike look cool but also enhances stability and confidence on the road.

Does Harley Davidson Make Any Women-Specific Bikes?

Friendly reminder: Harley Davidson does not explicitly create women-specific bikes. However, they do cater to a range of riders by offering “low” versions of some models that are intended for shorter people. These models have a more accessible design for shorter riders, whether they are women or men.

These “low” versions have lower seats, lowered suspensions, and mid-mounted controls instead of forward controls. This makes it easier for riders with shorter legs to comfortably reach the ground, control the bike, and feel more confident during their ride.

It’s important to remember that riding a motorcycle isn’t one-size-fits-all, so Harley Davidson ensures that you can choose a model that meets your needs and preferences.

So while there aren’t specific women’s models, you’ll find that a number of Harley Davidson motorcycles are popular among female riders, like the Softail Slim, Iron 883, and Low Rider S. These models have reduced seat height and width, which makes them easier to ride and more appealing for those who are smaller or have shorter legs.

To find the perfect Harley Davidson for you, it’s a good idea to visit your local dealership, sit on various models, and test ride them if possible. This will help you determine which bike feels the most comfortable and allows you to safely and confidently hit the open road.

The Best Harley Models For Women

Here are some of the most popular Harley models among women, broken down into three categories: Softail Models, Sportster Models, and Street Models.

ModelSeat HeightWeight
Softail
Softail Deluxe24.5″697 lbs
Softail Slim25.5″671 lbs
Sportster
Iron 88325.5″562 lbs
1200 Custom26.6″591 lbs
Street
Street 75025.7″514 lbs
Street Rod29.8″525 lbs

Softail Models

Softail models are known for their comfortable ride and classic styling. They have a hidden rear suspension system, which gives them a smooth, comfortable ride without compromising their iconic hardtail look. Admittedly, these are the “heavyweights” of this group. Two popular Softail models for women include:

  • Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe: With a seat height of 24.5 inches and a weight of 697 pounds, this model offers comfort and style for female riders. Its low center of gravity and easy-to-reach handlebars make it a great option for riders of varying heights and skill levels.
  • Harley Davidson Softail Slim: With a seat height of 25.5 inches and a weight of 671 pounds, this model combines its slim design with a low seat height, making it ideal for women who prefer a classic look coupled with enhanced maneuverability.

Sportster Models

Sportster models are well-known for being nimble and easy to handle, with a lightweight frame and a more aggressive riding position. These models are great for women looking to experience the thrill of riding a Harley Davidson:

  • Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Superlow: This model features a low seat height of 25.5 inches and a weight of 562 pounds, making it an accessible choice for riders seeking an easy-to-handle motorcycle that doesn’t compromise on power or performance.
  • Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom: With a seat height of 26.6 inches and a weight of 591 pounds, this model offers a customizable option for women who want a motorcycle with more power than the 883 Superlow while still being approachable for various skill levels.

Street Models

Street models are designed for city riding and urban adventures, combining nimbleness with Harley Davidson’s signature look and feel. These are without a doubt the “lightweights” of the HD lineup. Two popular Street models for women include:

  • Harley Davidson Street 750: With a seat height of 25.7 inches and a weight of 514 pounds, the Street 750 is perfect for women seeking a motorcycle with a more aggressive stance while still being easy to handle in busy traffic or tight parking spots.
  • Harley Davidson Street Rod: Featuring a much higher seat height of 29.8 inches and a weight of only 525 pounds, the Street Rod is an excellent option for taller women seeking a versatile and sporty motorcycle that performs well in various riding conditions.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone. If a low seat height is the most important thing to you, a Softail model might be the best choice. If the weight of the bike is your biggest concern, one of the Street models might suit you more.

What Is The Most Difficult Harley Model To Ride?

Since none of the models in the Harley Davidson lineup are exactly rocket ships, the hardest one to ride really comes down to its weight and size.

If that’s the case, that means the most difficult model to ride is also the biggest – the Ultra Classic. This is Harley’s full-size touring bagger that’s essentially a car with 2 wheels. It features tons of storage and comfort features like cruise control, navigation, and even handlebar warmers.

For experienced riders, this might be considered the “easiest” bike to ride due to its ability to rack up hundreds of comfortable miles per day with ease. But all of that highway comfort comes at a cost – and that’s the bike’s weight.

The Ultra Classic has a rather high seat height at 29.1″ and weighs in at 917 lbs, tipping the scales at nearly double the weight of a Street 750!

Of course, riding this bike is rather effortless at highway speeds but its height and weight can certainly be noticed when maneuvering in a parking lot. At 6’3″ with multiple years of riding under my belt, even I found the bike to be a bit cumbersome at slow speeds.

Black Harley Davidson Night Train

Best Harley For Women: A Recap

As a woman looking for the perfect Harley Davidson motorcycle, you have several great options to choose from. Always consider factors such as your riding experience, height, and personal preferences in terms of style and performance.

With these options and more, you’re sure to find a Harley that suits your needs and provides an excellent riding experience.

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