First developed by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885, the motorcycle has been an important element in the transportation infrastructure around the world. In countries where population numbers are high, such as Japan, China and India, the motorcycle and motorized scooter are the personal transportation vehicle of choice.

From 1955 to the 1970’s, German motorcycle manufacturers dominated the marketplace, and then the lead passed to Japan’s hierarchy of top brands, including Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki.

From Easy Rider to American Choppers

In 1969, when Easy Rider was first released to American audiences, motorcycle enthusiasts were considered outcasts and outlaws. When American Choppers debuted on the Discovery Channel in 2002, the Teutul family’s Orange County Choppers introduced the world to the beauty and love for custom-built motorcycles.

The Teutul’s have built custom bikes for major organizations and corporations, enabling the world to begin to view motorcycles and their riders in a more positive light. U.S. Air Force recruiters commissioned a $150,000 custom motorcycle from OCC that is being used as a public outreach tool. OCC has even built custom motorcycles for the New York Jets, the Miami Heat, Snap-On Tools, NAPA Auto Parts, Learjet, Bass Pro Shops, and the 7/11 convenience store chain.

Motorcycles For The Average Guy

While OCC choppers are beautiful to look at, the average guy simply cannot afford to spend better than $100,000 for a custom-built machine. That is why we average people drive models like: Aprilia motorcycle, BMW motorcycle, Buell motorcycle, Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Honda motorcycle, Kawasaki motorcycle, KTM motorcycle, Suzuki motorcycle, Triumph motorcycle, Victory motorcycle or Yamaha motorcycle. Other models frequently seen on American roads include Ducati and Echelon, although both require a little bigger budget to own.

Americans have long been spoiled by gasoline that costs less than two dollars per gallon, but those days seem to be long gone. As Americans contemplate higher fuel costs and their current driving habits, the motorcycle continues to grow in popularity among the population. As people begin to digest the high cost of filling the tank on their SUV, many are making the decision to sell their SUV and to use a motorcycle (and in some cases, a motorized scooter) to take them to and from work.

Buying Used Or New Motorcycles

The question of new or used is often a question of budget, although the costs of new motorcycles are generally fairly low when compared to the cost of a new compact car. Simply put, if you can afford to buy a compact car new, then you can afford to buy your next motorcycle new as well.

The newest American-made motorcycle is the Victory, made by Polaris, based in Minnesota. Polaris has been involved in vehicle manufacturing for better than 50 years, getting their start with snowmobiles. Polaris is also one of the largest manufacturers or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). In 1998, they introduced the new Victory motorcycle to great accolades and reviews.

The Harley Davidson still remains popular among Harley enthusiasts. BMW motorcycle for sale are popular among the yuppies with a need for speed; and the Japanese models of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha have retained their popularity over large cross-sections of the population.

Making Good Choices

Whatever new or used motorcycle you choose to go with, you will find that the continuing maintenance and operation of that vehicle will be much less than that of a car. And in these days of high gasoline prices, the choice of a motorcycle or scooter to help in your transportation needs can be considered as nothing short of a godsend.