The image of the motorcycle has changed over the last several years. Motorcycles can be generalized into three basic categories: cruisers, sport bikes, and dirt bikes.

However there are some major differences between one cruiser and another. To simplify these differences the cruiser category has been subdivided into touring and themed bikes.

Motorcycles have enjoyed off-and-on popularity over the last 50 years.

Many people remember the thrill of seeing a young Marlon Brando on a motorcycle in The Wild One, a movie loosely based on a true story.

In times since, babyboomers now have the time and money to sink into a motorcycle hobby. These bikes don't come cheap, usually.

Especially not the Cadillac of motorcycles-the touring cruisers. A touring bike is great for long trips as well as simply tooling around town.

A tryk is a variation on a cruiser. The two wheels in the back allows riders more stability which can be useful for riders with bad legs or backs.

Another bike good for cruising around town are the themed or more traditional motorcycles.

These bikes can be a great hobby in rebuilding as well as riding.

The younger crowd are going for the sport bikes, commonly known today as "crotch rockets." These bikes generally have plastic fairings along the sides to hide the motor. It is a faster looking bike.

Dirt bikes are in a class all to themselves, although they, too, are divided up regularly at moto-cross events all over the country. A seperate story will come shortly on this particular breed of racers.

No matter what the style of bike, some basic cautions must be observed when riding.

Wearing a helmet is the most basic of these precautions.

Clothing to help keep you warm is also important, especially in the winter months. A motorcycle introduces a rider to different weather conditions and being prepared for those chillier trips can make the ride more pleasent.

Motorcycles drive much different than a car or truck. It's important to keep both hands and feet free to guide, accelerate and brake the bike.

The Kentucky transportation cabinet division of driver licensing offers a motorcycle program in which rider training courses can be taken throughout the state. The program is funded by user fees from licenses, permits and registrations.

Some benefits of taking a riders course are: learn to ride before you buy, gain a possible insurance discount, have the license skill test waived, learn from ceritfied instructors, practice on-cycle maneuvers on loan cycle. The classes are offered on weekends but you must be 16 years old to enroll. A free course workbook is provided to participants. The course is approved by the motorcycle safety foundation.

A class for experienced riders is also offered in a one-day course, with own motorcycle used instead of loaned bikes.

Properly prepared, it's a great time for a ride whether you have a cruiser or a sport bike and the moto-cross races are in full swing for dirt bikes.