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Most of the serious female motorcycle riders I know are childless or at least empty-nesters.
Perhaps that is a factor?
Perhaps. But as a counterpoint, Voni learned to ride when our kids were 6 and 8 so the four of us could take two bikes and go on motorcycle camping vacations as a family. She has continued to ride long after the kids were grown and gone.
But most of us already know Voni is an anomaly, especially when it comes to riding!
The absolute most women I've seen riding two wheels was Vietnam in late 60's. Also men. The Latin and Asian markets have been well ahead of US for"ever". Different countries, infrastructure, economics and therefore mindset. Certainly most units were scooter/small cc motorcycles, to which native average statute necessitated (your seat height variable being applied).
I will make a few (I haven't counted them yet) comments:
1. When I was the President of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of American (now called the MOA) and writing a monthly column in the BMW Owners News (now called the ON) in the year 2000 almost exactly 10% of the primary members were women. I do not have current membership data (Ted, can you get this info or have Bob provide this info for 2018), but I suspect it is still right at 10%.
2. I personally have met a dozen or two brave women who tried riding their own bikes, and who for a variety of reasons gave it up. Some because it just was not going to be their thing. Many more because their husbands, boyfriends, significant others, or partners, or whatever they were called were macho and just had to keep running off ahead at high speed, and then griped when the terrified novice could not keep up. If this resembles you or anybody you know - a pox upon your or their house.
3. BMW has a seat height issue in the United States. I don't know the average inseam for females in Germany (now that would be a worthy research project. Can I get a grant?) but in the US seat heights are an issue. It is true that being able to flat-foot a motorcycle is not necessary for an experienced rider, but it is a significantly desired attribute for new riders. And nice for us gezzers too.
4. BMW has an entry price issue in the US. Other brands out-cheap BMW. Young, entry level, and female riders need an incentive to spend more for a BMW than a Honda, or Kawasaki. New riders do not see the value.
5. Harley Davidson has 1940's engineering and 2020 public relations. They co-opted the MSF with their watered down Riders Edge basic course and couple hours looking at bikes and fringe. But they got away with it. And they have low seats. Any women looking to learn to ride is drawn to HD unless steered elsewhere.
6. The major "womens" motorcycle clubs in the US - Motor Maids, Chicks in the Wind, Lost Girls, Sisters Eternal - are all HD American V Twin dominated clubs.
7. Finally, HD outsells BMW 20 to one. If BMW captured 5% of HD sales it would double BMW sales. It won't happen.
Most of the serious female motorcycle riders I know are childless or at least empty-nesters.
Perhaps that is a factor?
ayour statement is a reminder of a less positive attitude toward women. Kind of sounds like, " ... keep 'um pregnant in summer an bare foot in winter. "