Not so for this talented lady, Kathy Tolleson. In 2008, according to the article over on Business of Main's startup section, "the grandmother of 13 founded Daytona Beach, Florida-based Roar Motorcycles for Women." The company offers bikes designed and customized just for us gals. She tells the reporter that "Our bikes all have personalities. We present motorcycles in terms of fit, style, and beauty to make them more attractive to women."

Unfortunately, the article on BoM doesn't go into detail on WHY any women would want a motorcycle, and I am left contemplating the reasons without any resource to help me figure it out.

Maybe...the women (12% of all sales in 2008, according to The Motorcycle Industry Council) are looking for excitement. <shrug>

Maybe...the women are flounting society's desire to box them into being tame mothers and wives. Roaring around on a big ole motorcycle will dispel that stereotype, don't you think?

Maybe...the women are just interested in machines you can ride. I mean, there are women who love big, fast cars. And little fast cars. There are women who love dangerous sports...of which I think riding a motorcycle is one.

I am NOT trying to belittle the women who purchase customized bikes from Tolleson - to each her own. I am clueless about why, though. One woman quoted in the article bought a bike in 2009 at the age of 63!!! OMG!

The reality here is that Tolleson feels "motorcycles are an empowering symbol of freedom and adventure," and I, for one, applaud her for her ability to capture that for herself and a whole lot of other women who must feel the same way. I don't get it. But, I think it's fantastic! Women need to do more of this kind of thing. We need to burst out of the bubble of complacency we're in - where we allow the world to dictate who we are and how we behave.

It's our right to be the person we want to be - and if that person steps outside the boundaries of good womanhood - into an area that raises eyebrows and makes other women blink, so be it. If we don't do this - if we don't stay true to our personalities, we will wither like roses in winter.

Just as I knew there was more to the women who shopped online, back in 2004 when I started this blog, Tolleson knew there was more to the women who were stuck riding bikes made for men, and she set out to give those women some attention. In the end, the choice is always up to the women - ride shotgun with your man, or 'man' your own bike; one created and designed just for you. There is power in being in control - power that gives women a leg up, if you will. Especially if you can afford the $10,000 to $25,000 price tag!

So...my question is: are you out there letting your adventurous spirit loose, roaring to work (or just around) with your hair blowing in the wind, goggles in place, legs tight around a customized, colorful bike? Or, are you on the sidelines, like me, watching someone else go by - wondering what that big smile on her face is all about?

p.s. I have $100 cash prize for the person who comments on the BoM post and most impresses me with a reason for women to be crazy about owning and riding motorcycles... you'll need to return here to let me know you posted, of course.

Lip-sticking is part of an online influencer network for Business on Main. I receive incentives to share my views on a monthly basis. All opinions are 100% mine.