Riding in Style

	Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Have an extra $20,195 kicking around and an "M" designation on your license? Then why don't you buzz down to your local Harley-Davidson HOG dealer and pick up the Ultra Classic Electra Glide?

That twenty thousand will get you all kinds of features found common -- and increasingly expected -- in today's luxury motorcycles.

Generously sized, lockable, hard saddlebags with removable soft interior carriers? Check. Passenger seat with wraparound armrests? Check. Full-length, height-adjustable footboards for both passenger and driver? You bet.

But there's much more.

This baby comes with cruise control (that's right, cruise control), a CB as well as an intercom for driver/passenger communication, a Harmon/Kardon four-speaker stereo -- easily hooked up to headsets, if you prefer -- a halogen headlight and adjustable fairing.

But why stop there? We haven't even gotten to the accessories.

Want XM Satellite XMSR radio, GPS navigation and a leather, air-adjustable rider and passenger seat?

Those are just a few of the available add-ons that could easily push this deluxe motorcycle over $25,000.

These days, it's easy to find midrange automobile prices on a new motorcycle.

Gone is the time when your engine options were limited to a wimpy 250 cc and comfort was obtained by putting extra cushioning in your pants.

Enormous, powerful engines like the 2,294 cc monster found in Triumph's aptly named Rocket III ($16,300) are becoming more common, as well as extravagant options like a driver's airbag found in the high-end Honda HMC Gold Wing touring bike ($24,049).

Additionally, custom motorcycle shops across the United States (like the famous Orange County Choppers) have exploded with a dizzying array of outlandish custom motorcycle designs. And the stalwart motorcycle manufactures keep piling a cornucopia of options to their everyday lines in order to appeal to new buyers.

But where are all these buyers coming from?

From the outsized ranks of both male and female baby boomers with large amounts of disposable income, naturally.

Like many high-end products made desirable and popular on the consumer landscape, baby boomers are driving the trends in these luxury bikes.

But it's not just two-wheeled tourers with windshield wipers and airbags that are flying out of the showroom. Choppers, street and sport bikes have seen astounding growth as well.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle ownership among the 40 and over age group has increased a staggering amount: from 15.1% in 1980 to 43% in 1998. Furthermore, the $14.6 billion U.S. motorcycle market is on track to mark its 13th consecutive year of growth.