With gas prices on the rise, Americans bought fewer cars last month than any other month of the past decade. Steel horse business-owners say, they're thriving.

Last year, motorcycle sales were over the one million mark for the fifth straight year. According to motorcycle retailers, as long as gas prices keep rising, so will their sales.

Warren Central High senior Daniel Frank and dad Erwin are at Mike's Cycle World on a mission.

"Oh! Well, I'm looking for me a hog!" laughs Daniel.

"I'm buying him a motorcycle for a graduation present," Erwin explains.

"I been set on a motorcycle since about the sixth grade," Daniel adds. "My parents wouldn't let me have one till I graduated high school."

However, the bike will used for more than just joy riding.

"On most of the family occasions, I ride by myself. Instead of riding a pickup truck, I can ride a motorcycle and it'll be a lot easier on gas," says Daniel.

"More and more people are buying these motorcycles because of the gas prices," Erwin adds.

"It's really hurtin’ the hard working families," Daniel says.

"Last month, we probably sold 20 more units than we sold the previous year," says Bowling Green Mike's Cycle Center General Manager Perry Vincent. "We're seeing a lot of people taking the motorcycle instead of just using it for fun, using it for their main mode of transportation."

If someone's trading in a car for a motorcycle, just how much could they be saving? Perry did the math.

"I drive a Jeep Wrangler right now. If I drove a thousand miles in one month, it'd cost me $250 for the whole month in gas. Then we took a Yamaha scooter Zuma, which you can get at 123 miles to the gallon and you're talking about $30 for the whole month. In a year, you're talking $2600 savings."

Indeed, Daniel's looking forward to the savings in addition to getting a handle on his new hog.

"I think it has something to do with freedom. You feel like you're free when you're riding," says Daniel. "The wind blowing through your hair. It's just really a good time."

If investing in a hog is something you're considering, Perry Vincent says there are a few steps you'll have to take. He says that only a driver's license is required to operate a 50cc scooter or under. Larger vehicles require a motorcycle endorsement license.

To find out how to get enrolled in WKU's Motorcycle Training Classes, visit the link below.