MEET MALAYSIA’S LADY PRIYA

For this H.O.G. member, riding a Harley-Davidson® is the perfect counterbalance to managing a household, her busy family life, and her Ladies of Harley™ responsibilities

My name is Priya Jayakumar, better known as ‘Lady Priya’, from Taiping, Malaysia, where I am a mother to three wonderful children, a proud homemaker, and a Ladies of Harley™ Officer for Kuala Lumpur H.O.G.™ Chapter. Beyond those daily responsibilities I am passionate about motorcycle riding and exploring new places on my Street Bob™ 107.

I have been riding smaller motorcycles since I was 16 years old, commuting to school and then to college for my MBA studies. It was my late father who inspired me to start riding; his passion for the open road and the thrill of the ride was contagious. Growing up I watched him ride with purpose and joy, always talking about the balance between speed and control, safety and risk, excitement and caution. Because of him, riding a motorcycle became far more than just a hobby to me, it became a way of life.

Then, one fine day during 2020, as I was driving down the freeway, I saw a group of Harley® riders passing me by. In that moment, the idea of going places with my husband on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle began to form. I got in touch with a friend who is also a Harley rider to guide me in purchasing a bike, and shortly, much to my husband’s surprise, presented him with a 114ci Heritage Classic for his birthday.

Because of my husband’s concerns about us both riding the same bike, because we are parents to three young children, soon after he returned the favour – and I found myself the proud owner of a 107ci Street Bob. Life had taken a new and exciting turn!

My husband and I joined the Harley Owners Group™ and not too long afterwards I was approached by Petaling Jaya Chapter to become their Activities Officer. I am currently Ladies of Harley Officer for Kuala Lumpur Chapter as well as Assistant Secretary in Malaysia’s largest independent motorcycle group, Kings MG.

For me, riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle offers a unique blend of relaxation and exhilaration that I find deeply fulfilling. It is not just about the thrill of the ride but also about the freedom and the clarity it brings. The rhythm of the engine, the wind in my face and the open road ahead gives me a profound sense of escape from the everyday, allowing me to clear my mind and find peace. It is a moment of solitude and focus that helps me to unwind and recharge, a perfect balance of serenity and excitement, making it an essential part of how I experience and enjoy life.

Balancing riding and Chapter activities with family life requires careful planning and open communication. Since my husband and I ride together as a team, we plan and co-ordinate our schedules to avoid any conflict with family commitments, selecting riding times that work well for both of us and fit around our family’s needs. Being clear about my schedule and making my family a priority means I can enjoy my rides while keeping strong connections with my loved ones. Sharing my passion for riding with my family by introducing them to motorcycle events or involving them in bike-related activities can also be rewarding and it helps them understand and appreciate my passion.

Organising Ladies of Harley activities is rewarding too. Recently we celebrated Mother’s Day with the female inmates at the local prison, which was very touching. Here in Malaysia, women in prison have their children with them up to the age of about three, so we contacted the prison warden and celebrated Mother’s Day at the prison, with the mothers and their children – it was so memorable and touching to let these women know that despite everything they are still loved, and they are not forgotten.

Riding in Malaysia combines the hustle and bustle of city life with the serenity of scenic routes, and being a woman rider adds a unique and empowering dimension to the experience. In cities like Kuala Lumpur heavy traffic is common and motorcycles make it easier to navigate through congestion; outside the cities Malaysia’s countryside provides stunning scenic routes through rainforests, mountain ranges and along the coast. Roads in places like the Cameron Highlands, Fraser Hill and the Genting Highlands are particularly beautiful.

One great riding experience which I shared with my husband was the ride from our home in Kuala Lumpur up to the Golden Triangle at the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. This region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, lush mountains and winding rivers – perfect for motorcycle touring. We completed 7,610km in 10 days, including the famous 4,088 corners, and loved it so much we are planning to do it again on the way to Asia Harley Days 2024 in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

My journey with Harley-Davidson has been a deeply enriching experience that intertwines with all aspects of my life. From the thrill of conquering challenging routes to the joy of participating in H.O.G. events and connecting with fellow riders, each ride is a blend of excitement, relaxation and connection, offering me a sense of freedom, adventure and community involvement, and strengthening my bonds with my family.

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