As fuel prices began to climb this year, Tom O'Brien started tagging the motorcycles in his shop near Elbridge with declarations like, 󈬢 mpg, save $50 per week in gas.”

“A lot of people can justify using motorcycles a lot more,” said O'Brien, owner of O'Brien's Motorcycles. “If they should get any aggravation from their spouses (for purchasing a motorcycle), gas mileage is one way to justify it.”

High gas prices are fueling cycle sales nationwide. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, sales of on-highway models for the third quarter, between July and September, are up 16 percent over last year. Scooter sales alone climbed 65 percent, according to the industry statistics.

“We're definitely seeing more people,” O'Brien said. “Even with the lousy weather, I've seen a larger number of motorcyclists going by.”

O'Brien said motorcycle usage usually tapers off when the weather cools, but he continues to see cyclists driving along Route 5 near his shop.

More cycles on the road has translated into more customers in his shop. Don Staton, who mans the front desk, said there has been an influx of customers inquiring about motorcycles. While they're not necessarily making purchases, Staton said many customers are coming in to “kick the tires.”

“More people want to know about them, but they might not be ready to buy yet,” Staton said.

In addition to the regular customers, Staton said the shop has seen many new customers who have “no clue about motorcycles and just want to get in it because of gas mileage.”

Staton estimated commuters could save about $40 a week on gas by riding a motorcycle every day instead of a car. Many motorcycles pay for themselves from savings on fuel, O'Brien said.

After hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region disrupted oil production earlier this fall, the country saw a jump in gas prices, with prices surpassing the $3 a gallon mark. The average price for regular gasoline in the Auburn area now is at $2.94 a gallon, according to AAA's online fuel gauge report. The average cost of filling up is $43.45, compared with $31.02 a year ago. One month ago, it cost $47.12 on average to fill up at the pump.

Mike Mount, spokesman for the Motorcycle Industry Council, said the industry hasn't found a direct correlation between fuel price increases and motorcycle sales, but based on what he's heard, he said it appears to be a factor in the third quarter increase in motorcycle sales.

“We can't say it's not the reason,” Mount said. “It could be the straw that broke the camel's back.”

On a long-term basis, motorcycle sales have consistently increased each year since 1993, according to the industry council.

Tony Sclafani, employee at Geneva Harley Davidson, estimated that sales at the dealership have increased about 5 to 10 percent in the last 90 days, which he attributes entirely to the impact of increased fuel prices.

For the first time, Sclafani is fielding questions from customers about miles per gallon on various motorcycle models.

“I've never had people asking that question,” he said.

In addition to new customers, Sclafani said the dealership is also getting a lot of former motorcycle riders who are interested in riding again.

“We're getting some who maybe haven't rode in 20 to 25 years and had been totally out of it and now want to get back into it,” he said.

Donna Gilfus, office manager at Precision Cycle & Mower LLC in Auburn, also reported an increase in sales over the past few months. She attributed most of those sales to new customers.

With any new motorcycle rider, O'Brien said it's crucial to get training. Some people start riding without first receiving training, which O'Brien said is “a foolish and dangerous thing to do.”

Staton said the shop offers lessons at no charge for people considering purchasing a cycle.

“You can realize at that point whether it's for you or not,” Staton said.

Staff writer Anne Gleason can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or anne.gleason@lee.net