High Gas Prices Revs Up Motorcycle Sales

With the hardship of skyrocketing gas prices, we are being forced to cut down on gas consumption. That has been a factor in the acceleration of motorcycle sales. Just last week a local dealer made the statement that they couldn't keep enough motorcycles on their lot to meet the demand. With the average motorcycle getting a rough 50 miles to the gallon, (some much more) what better way to spend less of your dollars at the pumps?

Unfortunately, as bike sales go up, so does an increase in motorcycle fatalities. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled in the last decade. The sight of a human being sprawled on the side of the road beside a tangled bike is a disturbing scene.

Before you go out and purchase a gas saving machine, there are several important things to consider.

The three main factors in fatal crashes are driving too fast for conditions, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication and failure to stay in the correct lane.

Super Sport bike riders have the greatest death rates. These are racing bikes that have been modified for highway use. They are engineered for power and horse speed, and they are very heavy.

On the other hand, the smaller scooters are more affordable and get better gas mileage, but can feel intimidating sandwich in between heavy traffic. In some instances, certain smaller bikes are not permitted on the freeways.

If you are considering a used motorcycle, do you know what to look for and listen for in a test drive? If you have one of those friends that seem to have been born with mechanical skills, take them with you when you test-drive.

So after considering the precautions, is it possible for a motorcycle to be a reasonably safe choice of transportation? The answer is yes.