Cycle sales powered by pricey gas

IRVINE, Calif.

Vincent Stone, 36, of Los Angeles, shopping at L.A. Cycle Sports in Inglewood, is among those switching. He garaged his van and bought a 25-year-old motorcycle. “It cost me $85 to fill up the van. Man, it’s been killing me,” he says. “My motorcycle only costs $13 to fill up.”

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation says 350,000 people will take its new-rider course this year, up 10% in a year. There are so many newcomers the foundation can’t find spots for 40% of applicants.

USA Today