Motorcycle Sales On The Rise Statewide

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Higher gas prices are beginning to affect consumer attitudes, as more Alaskans have turned to motorcycles as an alternate form of transportation. Photo courtesy the AP.

Jamey Kirk

Story Created: May 26, 2008 at 1:25 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 26, 2008 at 1:25 PM AKDT

With rising fuel prices, Alaskans are looking for any way they can to save a few bucks. It seems that many are turning to motorcycles as an alternate form of transportation in order to save money at the pump.

The number of registered motorcycles has jumped statewide by almost 50 percent. In 2000 more than 16,000 bikes were registered across the state, and by 2007 the numbered had climbed to nearly 26,000.

Keith Hull of Triumph Motorcycles in Anchorage said that sales are up around 20-percent over last year's sales. Hull estimates that about half of those sales are due to higher fuel costs.

Bike sales are up at the House of Harley in Anchorage according to Beverly Mulcahy.

Much of the increased interest in bikes has to do with the season, as it is just not possible to ride a motorcycle during the Winter months.