It really started when we almost bought a scooter (150 engine... max of 45mph). We started thinking about this purchase when gasoline got to around $3 per gallon. Once it hit almost $4 per gallon, we said, "Enough is enough!"

I've honestly always been a bit nervous about driving a motorcycle. I'm making progress & can now drive in a semi-straight line for about 100 feet! Ha, ha...  So, one might ask, "Why not the scooter? It's so easy." This is the reason... if we got a small scooter, we'd be an accident waiting to happen if we got on the interstate. Also, we found out that insurance would be more on a scooter than a motorcycle. After researching why, we realized it was because they are (1) easier to steal, (2) in such high demand with the gas prices, and (3) not really safe for you or others on the road if on a highway or interstate since the size we could afford would top out at 45 mph.

The motorcycle is quite handsome. I found myself really, really excited to sit on it the first time. Nearly hitting our pear tree was a bit of a rush, so I'm just taking it really slow until I get the hang of it. Here's the big advantage to this "dangerous machine." It gets around 80mpg!!! My husband's truck gets about 13 in the city. That's really, really bad when gas is at $4 per gallon. This little bike only holds 1.5 gallons of gasoline. I can't imagine the first time I go to fill it up & pay a whopping $6.00! I filled up my van today. It was $60.00! After I picked myself up off the ground from shock, we left the gas station, went home, parked the van & got out the bike.

My husband got his helmet today. I'll get mine next week. We can't wait to finally ride around without stressing over the gasoline we're burning!

On a recent trip, we stopped at some motorcycle dealerships to look around & price out accessories. Everyone is saying that the market has picked up so much that some places have met their quota for the year! The small motorcycles (250s) and scooters are selling like hot cakes & prices are only going up... and not just bike prices, but the prices for accessories. And, they'll really get you if you finance!

If you're thinking about getting a motorcycle or scooter to help conserve gasoline, I'd suggest acting now while you can still afford it & while shops still have affordable bikes in stock. Remember, the ones with smaller motors get the better gas milage.

However, if you are wanting to trade in your SUV, truck or van, now is not the time unless you're ready to nearly give it away. Trade in values are plummeting because the market is going to fuel-conservative vehicles. Hybrids are getting more & more expensive because demand is very high. Dealerships are now offering deals like $10,000 off of trucks or 6 years with no interest on new vehicles (not the cars). Amazing!

Seriously, if you're looking to replace your vehicle, I'd suggest acting fast. Just look around and you will notice a vast decrease in the larger vehicles. I've noticed a vast decrease of traffic, in general. I don't know about you, but we rarely even eat out now; not because we can't afford the restaurant, but because we can't afford the ride!!! Sad, isn't it?

Good luck to you all. If you have a gas guzzler like me, I'm sorry. My van gets about 13mpg in the city. I don't even like to crank it right now. Even though there are dangers to riding a motorcycle, I think I'll take the risk (after the safety courses). I'll be sure to wear plenty of safety gear & will be laughing all the way from the gas pump the first time I fill her up & can actually use my pocket change!

If you're worried about looking "geeky" on a scooter or small bike, don't worry. I think I'm going to design a series of bike stickers. Some might say:

1. Lookin' Funny, but Savin' Money!

2. 70+ mpg!

3. You laughing? Think about the gas you're wasting.

4. I may look goofy, but I can afford the gas.

5. So you think you're cooler? I think I'm smarter!

... and so on.

I wish you the best in all your efforts to conserve gasoline. Just remember, spending a ton of money on a new hybrid won't save you anything if the car payment is more than what you were spending on gasoline. Shopping used is usually fine for a motorcycle as long as it's not got so many miles on it, that a ton of stuff needs checked, fixed or replaced. Be smart, shop wise & good luck.