6 Women Changing the Motorcycle Industry
Throughout history, there have been continuous advancements in the motorcycle industry thanks to the hard work of engineers, designers, riders, and more. While the industry is predominately male, many women are also going full throttle to make their mark. In honor of Women’s History Month, Cycle Trader is highlighting six women changing the motorcycle industry.
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1-2. Ashmore Ellis and Anya Violet
When two friends met up at the Born Free Motorcycle Show, they developed an idea of a girls’ weekend of motorcycle camping in the dessert. The duo began reaching out to other women riders in their social circles and ended up with 50 women on a trip in Borrego Springs, California. From there, Babes Ride Out was born – an inclusive space for women riders to gather, share their experiences, and celebrate their love for riding. Today, the group hosts a number of motorcycle events, coast to coast, and continues to grow their riding community.
3. Trudy Hardy
Trudy Hardy has been riding motorcycles for more than 20 years, and her passion for riding eventually landed her the role of president for BMW Motorrad USA. In her role, she’s responsible for all BMW Motorrad operations in North and South America. In an interview with ABC News, she discussed her work with the brand and highlighted BMW’s commitment to appealing to women riders, “women need to be comfortable on the bikes they choose,” she says. “We want to expand our audiences. There’s a lot of untapped potential for us.”
5. Christy LaCurelle
Christy LaCurelle has been a trailblazer in the motorcycle industry since her time as the marketing manager for KTM Motorsports. She recently made history when she was named president and CEO of both the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the first woman to hold the position. In this role, she’ll utilize her previous experience of building platforms and teams that created engaged and safe riders to shape the future of the industry.
6. Jan Plessner
Jan Plessner has held a love for powersports for decades, going so far as to turn that love into a career with Kawasaki. In 2016, she founded ACTION Recruiting, fulfilling her passion for helping people find their dream job. In partnership with SearchPath Global, ACTION Recruiting specifically helps jobseekers search for positions in motorcycling and powersports. Plessner also lends her career expertise to Women Riders Now, publishing a monthly column with job tips for breaking into the motorcycle industry.
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7. Sarah Schilke
Sarah Schilke began her motorcycle career as a staff member for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s rider training program. Her career advanced to a marketing and sales position with BMW Motorrad North America, where she helped advance the brand’s efforts to market to female riders. In 2020, she became the vice president of SW-Motech USA, a German-based manufacturer that produces bike accessories, luggage, and lights, working to promote SW-Motech products to a wider range of customers.
The motorcycle industry is making way for women riders, led by some of these outstanding pioneers. If you’re searching for the best bikes for women riders, read our previous blog.
Arielle Patterson
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