Biker Biz Booms Despite Economy

PALM SPRINGS – The motorcycle industry is zooming past the nation’s economic crisis. business is booming, but it’s also changing.

There’s a new audience, new prices, and new equipment. A lot of the new stuff is geared toward women, the motorcycle world’s latest addition.

“We all got tired of sitting home while the men took off riding with the boys,” says visiting biker Gypsy.

Now, women ride along or drive their own bike, and these days you can find a bike for a lot less.

“Five years ago, you couldn’t buy a bike for $10,000, but now you can find beautiful bikes for that price. People are hurting so they are selling their toys,” biker Ben Schneider pointed out.

To buy those new toys, some people will do whatever it takes.

“People will refinance their house to get a bike,” says Jeff Know. “There is a lot of demand for motorcycles.”

Part of the demand is thanks to the economy and the cost of gas. As prices at the pump increase, more people buy motorcycles as a more economical way to get around.

“It took eight bucks to fill up the tank compared to 75 to fill up my truck,” says Chris Manzo.

Still, no group is completely untouched by the country’s financial struggles. Even though motorcycle sales and popularity are up, some bikers are driving less.

However, that’s not the case at American Heat bike week. Perhaps the economy is too slow to catch some riders.