Queens of the Open Road: Baggers Join 'Parts of America' Tour
News
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
Culture
Builders
When members of your family ride motorcycles and you don’t, there are three choices. Stay home, ride as a passenger, or learn how to ride. When you choose the third path, the road opens up. And if that road is a wide open highway, you should consider a big American bike with saddle bags—also known as a “bagger bike - opens in new window or tab..”
Comfort becomes paramount when you cover long distances in the saddle. It’s all about ergonomics. There are only two motorcycles on eBay Motors’ cross-country ‘Parts of America’ - opens in new window or tab. tour, and they’re both magnificent American baggers: a 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide - opens in new window or tab. Special and a 2021 Indian Challenger - opens in new window or tab..
The bikes are owned by Porsche Taylor, publisher of Black Girls Ride magazine from Los Angeles, Calif., and Foxy Johnson, general manager of the MC Professional Convention from Raleigh, NC. This duo use their distinctive motorcycle style to convey a powerful message to bike-riding women.
Empowerment on Two Wheels
Taylor broadcasts her positive message via Black Girls Ride - opens in new window or tab., which she founded in 2011. The publication is devoted to sharing the love of motorcycling with underrepresented female audiences.
Taylor said:
At first, our goal was to give a voice to women of color who ride but weren't a part of the conversation. And second, we wanted to give them information to make great purchasing and safety decisions. There’s a new generation of talented and empowered women bike builders.
Finding the Bike That Fits
Johnson and Taylor spent time on sport bikes, prior to making the leap to baggers. Foxy started with a Suzuki Katana 750 - opens in new window or tab. and switched to a Honda CBR 1000 - opens in new window or tab. after four months. Her first bagger, a 2012 Honda VTX 1800 - opens in new window or tab., marked a change of course.
Taylor said:
Things that might have been comfortable years ago aren't anymore. As you continue enjoying the sport of motorcycling, you find the bike is going to be the most comfortable for you.
Taylor’s current ride is a remarkable custom-painted 2021 Indian Challenger. She started riding a Kawasaki Ninja 600 - opens in new window or tab., followed by a Hayabusa - opens in new window or tab. for a decade, before switching gears to a BMW R - opens in new window or tab.. She was looking for a bike with American style and hopped on a Victory bagger - opens in new window or tab.. When Indian came out with the Challenger, it was love at first sight.
Taylor said:
This is the absolute best bike I've ever ridden. If a BMW and a Hayabusa had a baby, it would be the Indian Challenger.
Be Smart About Upgrades
Taylor’s goal with customization is to fully display her style—but without voiding the factory warranty. She got a new lower trunk - opens in new window or tab. for the Challenger and upgraded the sound system. The parts she found on eBay Motors helped her bring the bike to the next level.
While Johnson maintained and upgraded her sport bike, which isn’t as mechanically complicated, the heavy-duty work on her bagger is left to trusted shops. She’s a big fan of Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of one of Harley-Davidson’s founders and its retired chief styling officer.
Johnson said:
I have a lot of Willie G. chrome pieces - opens in new window or tab. on my bike. I'm ready to get some additional upgrades done on my Road Glide’s foot pegs as well as the floorboards.
When we personalize our rides, those stories inspire others to seek their own path. Johnson and Taylor’s gorgeous customized baggers are rolling proof—showing girls of all ages and backgrounds that they can own the road and their destiny.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.