NBC TODAY: Motorcycles

Motorcycling is fast becoming one of America's favorite pastimes. The Motorcycle Industry generated an estimated $10.2 billion in consumer sales and services, state taxes, and licensing, of which $2.89 billion or 28.3% is attributed to retail sales of new motorcycles. So who is the leather-clad motorcyclist in your rearview mirror? Results from the 1998 survey show the typical rider to be a 38-year-old male who is married, has attended college, and earns $44,250 a year. Based on data from the 1998 Motorcycle Industry Council owner survey, nearly 1 out of every 12-motorcycle owner in the United States is a woman. That's about 8 percent of the nation's motorcycle owners, and the numbers continue to increase.

Riding Lessons
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization sponsored by the U.S. distributors of BMW, Ducati, Honda, Victory, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley- Davidson, and Yamaha motorcycles. With courses offered in all 50 states, classes typically take place over a weekend and are designed to teach first-time riders the principals of motorcycling. Its entry-level course is a 15-hour classroom and riding program for new riders that provide motorcycles and protective gear for student's use. The classes begin indoors teaching students the fundamentals they need before they jump onto a motorcycle and begin riding. The group then moves outdoors to a secured parking lot and uses hands-on, tried-and-tested techniques that teach the basics of riding safely. The classes are inexpensive (around $150) and provide helmets and small, easier-to-maneuver motorcycles.

Best of all, when you complete the class many states allow you to bypass the riding exam. And most insurance companies will grant a 10 percent discount to graduates. For more information about the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and classes in your area go to www.msf-usa.org or call, (800) 833-3995.

If you are new to motorcycling don't buy the biggest bike: start small and work your way up. That's especially true for sport bikes. More often than not first time motorcyclists bite off more than they can chew buying the fastest bike off the lot. Sure everyone wants to go fast, but with some sport bikes reaching speeds over 100 MPH, parents and new riders alike need to be conscious of the term TOO MUCH BIKE.


Entry-Level Bikes


Kawasaki Ninja 250
Kawasaki created the sport bike category years ago with its popular Ninja line, now the company is the only manufacturer introducing an entry-level sport bike. Its Ninja 250 is perfect for the first time rider. A low seat height of 29.3-inches, and lightweight chassis (304 pounds) make for easy riding, yet its 250cc engine still gives you plenty of thrills. It sells for only $3299. www.kawasaki.com/motorcycles




Buell Blast
The Buell Blast motorcycle, designed for new riders in mind, is currently being used in training programs across the country. The Buell Blast promotes rider confidence with easy to operate rider controls, including a low-effort clutch, automatic fuel enrichener system for easy starting, and other features that make the motorcycle ideal for new riders. At $4,395 MSRP the Buell Blast is an affordable option for new riders. Considering fluctuating gas prices, riders will also appreciate its fuel efficiency at 68 miles per gallon within the city and 73 miles per gallon on the highway. www.buell.com



Naked Sport Bikes?

New category of sport bikes making news is naked sports bikes --A naked sport bike is a stripped down version of the colorful and obnoxious (to some folks) looking motorcycles you see zooming down the roadways. The naked sport bike offers all the power without the glitz.


Ducati Monster
Italian motorcycle giant Ducati has brought its world famous Monster line of sport bikes to America. Available in an entry level 600, a step up 750 and a 904cc, Ducati bikes are known for agility, extra thin body style for easy maneuverability and effortless handling around curves and hills. They start in price at $6,200. www.ducati.com



Cruiser-style bikes are still the hottest category on two wheels.


Suzuki Volusia
The 805 cc Volusia is a brand-new middleweight cruiser from Suzuki aimed right at the heart of the market (Read: BOOMERS). The Volusia is a classically styled cruiser with valanced fenders, big tear-drop fuel tank, low, wide handlebar and big chromed headlight and instruments. It looks like a "hard-tail" but it really has single-shock rear suspension.

Suzuki is known for building a lot of value and performance into its bikes. Only $6,600 for a healthy size 805cc motorcycle. Features a 805cc, 45-degree, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine, five-speed transmission and shaft drive for easy maintenance, 52 miles per gallon and a big 4.20 gallon gas tank for lots of range, low 28-inch seat height, and the seat is wide and comfy for aging boomers butts. www.suzukicycles.com



Touring cruiser category of bikes represent bigger motorcycles designed for longer trips and fatter wallets.


Honda VTX
Is it an airplane or is it a motorcycle? Honda's new 705 pound VTX has exhaust valves bigger than a P-51 Mustang. Its 1795 cc engine is 127cc's larger than Honda's 2001 Civic automobile. It is the most powerful stock cruiser on the market. And yes, there is a reason for this 150 mph-speedometer. Under $13,000. www.hondamotorcycle.com




Sneak Peek: Yamaha Road Star Warrior
Yamaha is making waves this year with its Road Star Warrior, a combination of classic street rod good looks with the muscle of today's sport bikes. It features a 102-cubic inch V-twin (1670cc) engine that boasts a dramatic 40% boost in horsepower over current Yamaha road star motorcycles. Available this fall it will sell for $12,000. www.yamahausa.com




Sneak Peek: Harley-Davidson V-ROD
Featuring H-D's Revolution Engine This is the one everyone is talking about. Harley's first new motorcycle redesign in over 10 years, the V-Rod features an 1130cc liquid V-twin cooled engine (Harley's first foray in to the liquid cooled front) that punches out a whopping 115 hp at 8,250 rpm. Cool reflector optic headlights and a one of a kind clamshell instrument panel styling round out this modern day work of art.

Not due in stores until 2002, Harley has already sold out at $17,000 a pop. www.harley-davidson.com