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(NAPSI)-The term "biker" can conjure up stereotypical images of leather-clad riders with rebellious personae. However, as motorcycles rise in popularity, especially in congested urban areas where two-wheeled transportation is an appealing option, the image of your typical "biker" is changing as well.
"There really is no set profile of a 'biker' now because everybody, across all age groups and ethnicities, is joining in," says Kimatni Rawlins, automotive expert and president of Automotive Rhythms. "Today's riders are moms, teachers, police officers and athletes. You run into people from all areas of society who just like to spend their weekends and summers on two wheels."
The growing acceptance of "bike culture" in mainstream America is corroborated by continually rising motorcycle sales, with more than $9 billion in new sales in 2005. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, overall bike sales for 2006 rose for the 14th year in a row, with a 4 percent increase in the on-highway segment alone.
The on-highway segment of motorcycles consists of three main categories: touring bikes, built for long-distance travel and comfort; cruisers, known for their customized look, chrome, low handlebars and forward-set foot pegs; and sport bikes, which combine exotic materials, state-of-the-art engines and precision handling for optimum performance. While selecting a bike that best suits a rider's needs is important, there are other decisions bike owners should consider.
"These bikes are built for performance, so the majority of motorcycle manufacturers recommend using a high-octane fuel," says Rawlins. "In fact, my team here at Automotive Rhythms makes a point of filling up with a premium fuel with added cleaning power, like Shell V-Power, because we'd hate to gunk up our bikes' engines."
As the motorcycle bug takes hold within the entertainment industry, particularly among African-American musicians and athletes, more urban youths are following in their footsteps.
"Certainly, bikes have that rebellious image that youths are attracted to," says Rawlins. "But regardless of ethnicity or bike type, most riders are just enthusiasts who, in many ways, have a lot in common with your average 'car guy' working on a classic at home. These guys and girls love to ride, are into performance and want to keep their bike in the best possible shape."
As the founder, president and publisher of the urban automotive media company Automotive Rhythms and the current president of The Washington Press Association (WAPA), Kimatni travels the world assessing new vehicles and automotive technology for millions of readers. Automotive Rhythms provides car-buying guides and auto columns to an array of national publications and hosts a series of creative video test drives, dubbed ARtvLive.com, on the Automotive Rhythms Web site (www.AutomotiveRhythms.com). Kimatni Rawlins is a spokesperson for Shell Oil Products U.S.