Big ol' choppers...and lil' scooters

A lonely Vespa sits next to some Harley Davidsons at the Lewiston Harley store.

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Story Published: Jul 31, 2008 at 5:42 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:16 PM PDT

By Hayley Guenthner

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LEWISTON - This $4 plus a gallon gas has everyone searching for the cheapest way to travel.

And that means scooters and motorcycles are becoming increasingly hard to keep in stock. One Valley business that normally sells big bikes, says it's responding to customers. Lewiston's Harley Davidson General Manager Matt Thomasson says the need for a fuel efficient ride is overwhelming, so he brought in a new product.

"We are now a Vespa dealer, and we're going to be an Aprilla dealer too," said Thomasson. "We have Vespa scooters here now, and we have a bunch more on the way. So they're coming in."

Thomasson says he's seeing more two-wheel hungry customers than ever.

"We've definitely seen an increase in motorcycle sales, as the price of gas has gone up. It's good for us but bad for everybody else."

Thomasson said the scooters he sells can typically run 80 to 100 miles on a gallon, and won't break the bank either. He says they start at just two grand, and can be a great time."

"It's a lot of fun and gets excellent gas mileage. It's the best of both worlds," said Thomasson.

But before you hop on, Thomasson said safety precautions are a must.

"They can be dangerous. Even if it is a scooter, you need to take a motorcycle riding course. They teach them at the college. You need an endorsement, and you should wear a helmet when you're riding them."

New bike owner Gary Rolbiecki also had tips for making a safe ride.

"Drive defensively," he said. "You have to keep your eyes and ears open, look around to see what's going on around you. Never take anything for granted. Always watch the other person."

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