More Alaskans switch gears to motorcycles
Gas prices have bike dealers scrambling to keep fuel-efficient rides in stock
http://www.adn.com/front/story/423678.html
"...Some longtime motorcycle owners are turning from recreational riders to commuters this summer. But people who sell motorcycles also say they're seeing a rush of first-time riders running out to buy a bike, a national trend that's left dealers here scrambling to fill sales floors.
At the Motorcycle Shop Inc. in Anchorage, "anything that's halfway fuel-efficient is gone," said sales manager Shannon Dixon. The shop sells Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph, KTM and Ducati motorcycles.
"I do the best I can to supply an alternate choice but realistically, by and large, anything 650cc or smaller with a purchase price of $8,000 or less is virtually unobtainable at this point," Dixon said.
Two moms walked into Hartley Motors in Palmer and bought the last two scooters in stock, said Alice Mobley, who manages the shop for her grandparents. They knew exactly what they wanted: to save money on gas, and try something new with a buddy.
"We have at least four people a day coming in wanting scooters or small street bikes. Almost every person says something about gas mileage," Mobley said. "We thought about changing all of our price tags to say how many miles to the gallon they get but we never had the chance. They're gone."
