Motorcycle buying interest at NADAguides.com increased 48 percent in March 2008 compared to March 2007, even though sales of motorcycles were down. The company, a vehicle pricing and information website, says it believes this growth in interest -- in spite of lackluster sales -- is an indicator consumers are increasingly considering motorcycles as 'daily drivers' versus luxury purchases as concern grows over soaring fuel prices.

Lenny Sims, motorcycle editor and vice president of operations at NADAguides.com, says this increase in interest comes on the heels of a recent report by the federal Energy Information Administration that predicts consumers will pay an average of $3.54 per gallon of gas this summer driving season (April through September 2008), up a whopping 61 cents from last year -- with gasoline prices in some parts of the country expected to cross the $4 per gallon threshold.

"We believe the current state of the economy, coupled with recent summer fuel price predictions, has caused consumer mindset about motorcycles to shift," said Sims. "In our opinion, motorcycles have become attractive options as primary vehicles for daily drivers -- due to their fuel efficiency -- and are no longer considered just a luxury,'secondary-vehicle' purchase."

Waiting on your stimulus check to add more bling to your bike?  I have to admit, I will be one of those people stimulating the motorcycle business economy when I receive my check!  The IRS has established a special web page and phone number to help you track down your funds. 

• Where's My Refund? Website:  https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/irfof/IRServlet?app=IRACTC
• Where's My Refund? Phone Number:   (866) 234-2942

You will need the social security number of the primary person who filed your 2007 tax return and your number of exemptions to process the information.  The Where's My Refund? service will be able to tell you exactly when your direct deposit or paper check will be sent and provide information on what to do just in case you don't receive it by the schedule date.