Central Texas Bike Dealers Get Sales Boost As Gasoline Prices Rise

By Colleen Flaherty
Killeen Daily Herald
It's hard to miss the giant billboard the Fort Hood Harley-Davidson recently erected over its store in Harker Heights, facing U.S. Highway 190 — especially with gas at $3.50 per gallon and climbing. 
       The sign reads "54 MPG, $7,995," with a big arrow pointing down at the motorcycle retailer. It's a feat of marketing simplicity that has already attracted new clientele to the store, sales associate Jim Goode said. 

       "We've had people come in and say, 'I was just filling up my truck with diesel, and I saw your sign,' and it's crazy."
       A lot of people never realized motorcycles get that kind of mileage, said sales manager Butch Carter, who spends about $85 per month filling up his bike, versus $130 each week filling up his SUV.
       While gas prices alone won't convert the average driver to biker, Carter said, it can be the spark that sends those with a pre-existing interest in motorcycles into his store. 
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