Big motorcycles were once seen as the preserve of men—heavy machines meant for strength, speed, and long roads. Today, that idea is changing. Across Goa, more women are learning to ride higher-capacity bikes, discovering a new sense of confidence and independence along the way. One of them is Sayantika Adak, a business analyst from North Goa, who took up riding during a difficult phase in her life. Drawn by the pull of the open road, she joined a biking club and now owns a 350cc motorcycle, which she gifted herself on her birthday.A gradual increase in numbersAcross the State, biking clubs are increasingly creating safe spaces where women are trained to ride and build confidence on larger motorcycles. And the numbers are gradually growing, says Peter Fernandes of the Goa Motorcycle Club in North Goa.“We’ve noticed an increase in women buying motorcycles, mostly between 200cc and 500cc. For many, riding is about freedom and confidence, not speed,” says Peter.For Sindhupriya Endla, 34, learning to ride was a direct challenge to social expectations. Originally from a village in Andhra Pradesh, she grew up being told that women should stay at home. “I questioned why men get to travel while women don’t. Out of that frustration, I learned to ride,” she says. Now running a restaurant in Siolim, she rides a Thunderbird 350, which she received as a shared gift with her husband. “There is nothing a woman can’t do,” she adds.Vivek Venu, a riding trainer associated with the club, based in Porvorim, believes motorcycling carries deeper meaning for women. “Learning to ride is an act of independence. When women handle higher-cc bikes, they are commanding the machine, not being overpowered by it,” says Vivek. Starting small and upgrading with timeMost women riders begin with smaller motorcycles and upgrade only after gaining experience. Fernandes recalls one rider from Ribandar who progressed from a 350cc Jawa Perak to a 750cc Kawasaki Vulcan and then to a 1300cc BMW GS in under three years.“That’s probably the biggest bike we’ve had on a Goa MC ride so far. Long-distance travel is a common goal, and bigger bikes offer greater comfort and stability for touring,” says Peter. Trainer Zuber Khan from Mapusa says lessons focus on both technical skills and confidence-building. “We start by explaining the bike—its parts, balance, and handling. Our riders span all age groups, from women in their 20s to even one above 50,” says Zuber. Bonding over ridingMaha Saleh, who moved to Nachinola from Dubai a year and a half ago, began riding after encouragement from her husband. “We started with electric bicycles because we wanted to ride together. One day, he asked if I wanted to try a motorcycle, and I said yes,” she says. She now rides a Hunter Vorland Field Hunter 350.Rider, Sayantika recalls learning to ride while accompanying her 11-year-old son. “I wanted him to grow confident too. Riding was my true passion, and the club I joined with Peter felt safe and free of judgement—something every beginner needs,” she says. Beyond riding, she learned essential skills such as basic maintenance and oil changes, further strengthening her independence.
