High Gas Prices Cause Some To Buy Motorcycles
Retailer Sees Spike In Scooter Sales
Updated: 10:58 am CDT May 22, 2008
MADISON, Wis. -- Drivers looking for relief from record-setting gas prices are turning to more fuel-efficient options, and some are even ditching four wheels for two.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportMotorcycles are primarily recreational vehicles, but they get great gas mileage. That has some drivers looking to buy a motorcycle.Brian Pazera makes frequent trips between Madison and his home in Oregon, Ill. He said filling up his truck costs more than $70.On Wednesday, Pazera stopped in Janesville on his way home to buy a new bike."With the increase in the price of gasoline, it seemed like a good time to do it," Pazera said.Henry Canfield, of Kutter Harley-Davidson, said he's seen a boost of interest in motorcycles.The Janesville Harley dealer was anticipating a slow spring, due to projected cuts at the local General Motors and a shaky economy."Our sales are up, just this month alone, probably 10 to 15 motorcycles," Canfield said.Canfield said it all comes down to economics. With gas prices nearing $4 a gallon, a vehicle that can get nearly 60 miles per gallon is more appealing than one that gets 15."If you're looking to ride zero to 15 miles to work, with a Harley, it will cost you a $1.10. With an SUV, four-wheel drive, or a bigger car, it's going to cost you right around $4," Canfield said.Of course, with a motorcycle, it's not always about gas."With the 96-inch, 6-speed, it will really go. And we do," said Doug Malliet, of Orfordville.Malliet's said his decision to buy a new Harley this spring was all about the satisfaction of cruising on the open road. But he said filling up at the pump doesn't hurt -- or at least not as much."Even the bigger ones, this 96-cubic inch (engine) still has good mileage compared to any vehicle out there," Malliet said.A big drawback for most people is that motorcycles aren't an all-weather means of transportation, and Wisconsin doesn't have the longest riding season.Kutter Harley-Davidson offers "rider's edge" classes each week in the summer, but the interest is extremely high. Classes are already booked through July.Of those who might find motorcycles are a little daunting, some are opting for scooters. They retails for about $2,000 but scooters get 100 miles per gallon.At the Engelhart Center, sales of scooters are up 65 percent."When you get nice weather, and the price of fuel goes up in combination, everybody has the bug to save some money and have a good time by going out," said Robert Hintz, general manager at Engelhart Center.Hintz said that in Madison, scooter riding is safe because drivers are generally aware of 2-wheeled vehicles like bikes. He said one of his employees is saving about $200 a month by using a scooter to get to work.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportMotorcycles are primarily recreational vehicles, but they get great gas mileage. That has some drivers looking to buy a motorcycle.Brian Pazera makes frequent trips between Madison and his home in Oregon, Ill. He said filling up his truck costs more than $70.On Wednesday, Pazera stopped in Janesville on his way home to buy a new bike."With the increase in the price of gasoline, it seemed like a good time to do it," Pazera said.Henry Canfield, of Kutter Harley-Davidson, said he's seen a boost of interest in motorcycles.The Janesville Harley dealer was anticipating a slow spring, due to projected cuts at the local General Motors and a shaky economy."Our sales are up, just this month alone, probably 10 to 15 motorcycles," Canfield said.Canfield said it all comes down to economics. With gas prices nearing $4 a gallon, a vehicle that can get nearly 60 miles per gallon is more appealing than one that gets 15."If you're looking to ride zero to 15 miles to work, with a Harley, it will cost you a $1.10. With an SUV, four-wheel drive, or a bigger car, it's going to cost you right around $4," Canfield said.Of course, with a motorcycle, it's not always about gas."With the 96-inch, 6-speed, it will really go. And we do," said Doug Malliet, of Orfordville.Malliet's said his decision to buy a new Harley this spring was all about the satisfaction of cruising on the open road. But he said filling up at the pump doesn't hurt -- or at least not as much."Even the bigger ones, this 96-cubic inch (engine) still has good mileage compared to any vehicle out there," Malliet said.A big drawback for most people is that motorcycles aren't an all-weather means of transportation, and Wisconsin doesn't have the longest riding season.Kutter Harley-Davidson offers "rider's edge" classes each week in the summer, but the interest is extremely high. Classes are already booked through July.Of those who might find motorcycles are a little daunting, some are opting for scooters. They retails for about $2,000 but scooters get 100 miles per gallon.At the Engelhart Center, sales of scooters are up 65 percent."When you get nice weather, and the price of fuel goes up in combination, everybody has the bug to save some money and have a good time by going out," said Robert Hintz, general manager at Engelhart Center.Hintz said that in Madison, scooter riding is safe because drivers are generally aware of 2-wheeled vehicles like bikes. He said one of his employees is saving about $200 a month by using a scooter to get to work. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
