When it comes to the pain at the pump, these riders say you can't go wrong.

"It's definitely a benefit on two wheels-- better mileage," said Mike Kleinke, motorcycle rider. " I ride average a hundred miles a day back and forth to work."

With high fuel costs, the State of Minnesota says more motorists are expected to opt for a 40 to 80 mile-per-gallon motorcycle or scooter.

In fact, the state said last month "with more than 230-thousand motorcycles registered in the state-an increase of 89 percent over the last ten years, Minnesota has reached an all time high in motorcycle ownership."

And with the boost in ridership, both Minnesota and Wisconsin have seen their share of motorcycle crashes.

The Badger State reports that in 2005, 801 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes and 11 percent of those individuals were motorcycle drivers or passengers, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Across the border, the State of Minnesota says the summer driving season is the deadliest on state roads.
With more than 1600 crash fatalities from 2004-2006, 171 involved motorcycle riders.
So far this year, at least 15 cyclists have been killed across the state.

Officials say all motorists should heed these tips: maintain a safe following distance, check blind spots... as motorcycles are easily hidden in traffic.
Also acknowledge motorcyclists when they make eye contact with other drivers.
This lets riders know other motorists can see them, because riders say staying visible is not always easy.

"Watch out for other people," said David Burcham, motorcyle rider. "They're the ones that got to watch out for the people that are driving," said David Burcham, motorcyle rider."

Authorities say one of the most important rules of thumb for motorcyclists to remember is to anticipate the moves of other drivers.

"Vehicles that are making left turns in front of oncoming traffic, motorcycles specifically that the number one cause of crashes involving cars and motorcycles," said Lt. Quint Stainbrook of the Minnesota State Patrol.

Minnesota and Wisconsin state laws require helmets for all riders under age 18.