Hollywood's Hot New Female Role: Biker

Posted by Abe Sauer on November 5, 2009 04:45 PM

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the number of American households that own motorcycles jumped 26% between 2003 and 2008. This trend is global, evidenced in a recent Harley Owners Group (HOG) in Beirut. But no rider group is growing faster than women, which increased from about 9% of the total in 2003, to more than 12% in 2008. Hollywood has taken notice.

Harley-Davidson, well aware of the trend, has partnered with celebrities like star fitness trainer Jillian Michaels and singer-songwriter Jewel in a recent advertising spread in upscale glossy mag Vanity Fair. The move accents Harley's dedicated resources such as its Women Riders web presence.

But blockbuster films are where the trend can be best observed. Perfectly mirroring the trending statistics is the increase in the number of films in which female stars ride motorcycle brands. Summer blockbusters Transformers 2 (Aprilla) and G.I. Joe (MV Agusta) as well as upcoming Angelina Jolie film Salt (Triumph) and recent favorites Matrix (Ducati), Tomb Raider (Yamaha) and Kill Bill (Kawasaki) all highlight a trend. This casting may be just following the trends, and reinforcing them. Too bad Buell will not be getting in on it anytime soon.

And certain to do no harm to women ridership rates is the upcoming juggernaut Twilight sequel New Moon, which features a scene where the main female character Bella learns to ride.

More about: Harley-Davidson, Motorcycles, Vanity Fair, Twilight, New Moon, Buell, Transformers 2, Aprilla, G.I. Joe, MV Agusta, Angelina Jolie, Salt, Triumph, The Matrix, Ducati, Tomb Raider, Yamaha, Kill Bill, Kawasaki

Lance Winslow says:

I bet this trend continues and it also appears that Progressive Insurance caught this trend because their "TV commercial sales gal" stated in an ad that she road a 900 cc bike. I wonder if this biker chick thing is something that all motorcycle brands will pick up on?

November 6, 2009 04:58 AM #

Abe Sauer says:

I noticed that commercial as well. "Actually, more like a 900 V twin." Indeed.

November 6, 2009 11:32 AM #

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