Many people believe that those who own Harley Davidson motorcycles are hardcore, tattoo-laden, testosterone-laden men who drink hard liquor and break up bar fights. Although this profile works well in the movies, the vast majority of Harley riders are calm and friendly people who give back to society.

Harley Davidson has worked very hard to develop a community of fellowship among people who own a Harley. The successful Harley-Owners-Group (HOG) has more than 1 million members worldwide. With local chapters around the world, members come together to share their obsession with the Harley Davidson lifestyle.

Harley Davidson riders include men and women between the ages of 18 and eighty-eight. Some Harley riders have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for more than 50 years. Many of the servicemen who fought in WWII became avid motorcycle fans as they were regularly used for transportation during wartime. A certain number of these soldiers still ride today.

The female population of Harley Davidson owners has increased significantly in the last two decades. Perhaps the best known Harley motorcyclists are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. In 1915, this mother-daughter duo traveled from New York to California in a three-speed V-Twin with a sidecar.

A different leader was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of Motor Maids, Inc. Linda began riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in 1932. She toured the United States and stories about her travels were printed in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began establishing a motorcycle network, which formally became The Motor Maids. The organization was founded with the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) in 1941, making it the oldest women’s bicycle organization in North America.

Girls of all ages and backgrounds are showing an interest in motorcycles and the way of life they provide. Not only are there more girls on street bikes, but they also participate in motorcycle races. Female celebrities, such as pop musician Pink and model Niki Taylor, are climbing into the driver’s seat of the Harleys and suggesting to other girls that they ride.

Riding a motorcycle is also becoming a popular family activity. Safety gear is available to protect children while driving and includes tethers, helmets, jackets, chaps, and gloves. Touring bikes and cruises make it easy to take the kids on a weekend camp or road trip. Many members of the military are passionate Harley owners. They enjoy the feeling they get when they hit the road and connect with fellow Harley devotees through sponsored events or charity attractions. Harley-Davidson supports various trips for US troops and veteran charities.

A normal trait of people who own Harley Davidson motorcycles is the willingness to give. Harley owners often go on charity trips to help out charities or to meet the needs of someone in their indigenous community. Harley riders have raised huge amounts of money in their fundraising efforts and have supported charities dedicated to cancer research, Alzheimer’s research, autism, and many other admirable causes.

There is great solidarity and friendship among Harley riders. They are a group of jealous people who enjoy the thrill of adventure. One thing is for sure … there is no other activity than bringing together such a diverse group of people of all walks of life and ages.