Motorcycles, scooters provide alternatives

Many students around college campuses are searching for creative ways to make gas money go as far as possible, even with the price on the decline.

Andrew Morgan has been a student at Weber State University since 2001. Morgan, like many other students at WSU, commutes to school.

In 2001, gasoline prices were around $1.70 per gallon. Now, gasoline prices top the $4 mark.

"I use to fill up my truck on $20 to $30 dollars, get a Coke and a snack, and be out $32 dollars," Morgan said.

He said he has since been married and started a family, and with bills to pay and a job, he has since sold his big truck that got about seven miles per gallon. He now owns an economical 90 cc scooter he bought from a friend. His new scooter gets about 100 miles per gallon driving around town.

"It's not my dream to ride a scooter," Morgan said, "but the family can only afford one vehicle so this is what I get."

Morgan is not the only student seen riding a motorcycle to school. The motorcycle parking slots around campus are filling up with new motorcycles.

"I remember a year ago it was my scooter and one or two more," Morgan said.

Jeremy Young, Sales Associate at Newgate Honda in Ogden, said, "everything 1100 cc and smaller we can't keep in stock."

He said gas prices are hurting everyone.

Young also indicated that with manufactures being more aggressive, students can afford a bike and the payment plan that goes with it. Young said he wanted students to be aware motorcycles may save gas mileage and parking fees, but students need to have the proper motorcycle endorsement in order to ride a motorcycle off the lot.

Students interested in a motorcycle may want to determine if buying one is a false-savings. Having an extra payment does not always make sense.

"Avoid paying to much," said Michelle Wilkinson, loan manager at Education First Credit Union in Ogden, "and know your value, so you are not upside down after the purchase."

She said to avoid getting tricked into an easy payment, noting that she sees too many people go for the manufacturer's introduction payment plan where they pay just interest and no principle. Wilkinson recommended students talk to their local bank or credit union before making a purchase.

With gas, insurance, registrations and a monthly payment, a scooter or small motorcycle may not be the answer. The weather in Utah is warm enough for motorcycle riding for about eight to nine months. The other four months, the motorcycle will most likely be hibernating in the garage. Spring semester may not be a great time to take advantage of a scooter or motorcycle.