IRVINE, Calif. — Motorcycling is growing and rapidly becoming more mainstream at the start of the new millennium, according to the latest census of two-wheeling conducted by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).

The number of American households that own motorcycles jumped 26 percent from 2003 to 2008, while the overall number of U.S. households increased roughly 5 percent. During the same period, the motorcycle population grew 19 percent while the U.S. population rose by about 5 percent.

These are some of the findings of the latest MIC Owner Survey, the powersport industry's study on U.S. motorcycle ownership, usage, demographics and trends. Motorcycling is changing with the times and along with millions more riders there are increasing percentages of women and youth and a shift toward riding to get around, not just to have fun.

"Motorcycling is playing a bigger role in our fast-changing world and many of the trends we were hoping to see some 20 years ago have become reality," said MIC president Tim Buche. "Household penetration over the past five years has increased by 1,516,610 individuals or 20 percent. As an activity, a form of transportation or a lifestyle, motorcycling still has tremendous room for growth, but two-wheeling has made significant inroads among various key demographics and is a larger part of American culture than ever."

Key findings of the new Motorcycle/ATV Owner Survey include:

1. Motorcycles are More Mainstream. Since 2003, the number of motorcycles owned and used in America grew 19 percent to approximately 10.4 million. Continuing a trend, that was a 58 percent increase since 1998, estimated then at 6.6 million. To imagine motorcycling today, picture a population greater than that of New York City (the residents of Moscow, Seoul or the entire state of Michigan) all on two wheels. An estimated 25 million people swung a leg over a bike and rode last year. That's a 7 percent increase, from 2003, in the number of Americans who ride but may or may not own motorcycles.

2. You go, girl! Female ownership of motorcycles crossed the 10-percent mark, increasing from 9.6 percent in 2003 up to 12.3 percent in 2008. Younger generations have even more female riders. Some 15 percent of Gen X motorcycle owners are women, and for Gen Y, it's 14 percent. Among Gen Xers, women more than doubled their presence since 1998. Maybe most impressive, women accounted for 23 percent, or 5.7 million, of the 25 million Americans who rode a motorcycle last year. It's not just a guy thing anymore, and greater acceptance among women means greater acceptance among key influencers of household spending decisions.

3. A New Generation is Riding. In 2003, Baby Boomer riders outnumbered Gen Y motorcyclists almost four to one. But Gen Y motorcycle ownership grew 62 percent since 2003, putting the current ratio of Baby Boomers to Gen Y at two to one. While 50 may be the new 30, the industry recognizes the importance of engaging younger customers as long-time riders begin to age out of motorcycling.

4. Motorcyclists Make More Money. While owning a motorcycle is much more affordable in many ways compared to having a car, the median household income of motorcycle owners exceeds that of the average American. Two-wheel households average $59,290 while the U.S. average is $50,233.

5. Motorcyclists Have More New Bikes. Along with the general rise in motorcycle interest over the past five years, demand for the latest and greatest bikes increased. Of all motorcycles in use in 2008, 46 percent were purchased new, up 7 percent since 2003. The average age of motorcycles is dropping as new styles and designs attract younger customers. Each year for the past six years, sales of new motorcycles and scooters topped one million units. That's a record run for seven-figure sales numbers.

6. Sport Bikes Rule With Gen Y. Half of boomer motorcyclists surveyed ride traditional cruisers. But among Gen Y motorcyclists, modern, high-tech sport bikes lead the way with 30 percent of those riders. Bikes that look like they came from the 1950s are giving way to bikes that are futuristic among young buyers.

7. Riders are Doing it for Transportation Not Just Recreation. Motorcycling for Americans has primarily been about recreation and the pure joy of riding. But among the reasons given for motorcycling, transportation climbed to second place in the 2008 survey, now ahead of short-distance touring. It may be due to fuel prices, environmental concerns, convenience, or a combination of reasons.

8. Experience Counts. Test rides moved to the top spot as the most important factor in the decision to buy a particular motorcycle. Dealership visits, advice from family and friends, magazine editorial and product reviews and the Internet are also important influencers. Experiencing the ride is now more important than traditional marketing tools such as magazine advertising, radio and TV and trade shows.

9. Touring and Sport Riders Spend the Most. Compared to other motorcyclists last year, touring owners spent significantly more on aftermarket purchases, including tires, repairs and maintenance, and replacement parts and accessories - an average of $620 per year. Demonstrating a strong interest in gear, sport bike riders spent more on apparel than any other segment - an average of $578 per year.

10. Acceptance Among Non-Owners Holding Steady. A quarter of non-owners surveyed in 2008 have a positive attitude toward motorcycles, with another 33 percent being neutral. As in 2003, more than half the non-owning population has a neutral or positive attitude toward motorcycles, demonstrating there is still much room for even more market growth.

"The 2008 survey reveals that motorcycling is continuing to become more mainstream in America ," Buche said. "Back in 1992, right as motorcycling started trending upward, Americans only bought 278,000 new bikes. Times have changed, we've sold more than a million each year for the past six, and two-wheeling may have a bigger role in the future of American mobility than we can imagine."