While it may feel like there are a host of things to keep a biker from laying down those motorcycle miles, lately a somber slant comes from the struggling economy.

In better days, real life would steal away a biker’s time putting the open road one or two chores out of reach. But with more feeling the financial impact of the recession, bikers find themselves being kept away from the saddle simply from less money in their wallets.

It may not even be the lack of money that has the motorcycle permanently up on the kickstand, but the worry that comes with tightening economic conditions, concerns over ongoing employment and bills that seem to grow with each passing month.

In a study released in September 2010 nearly eight-in-ten workers live paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet, up from six in ten just one year ago. How the American public goes about dealing with these tough times has created its own unique labels and categories.

Involuntary ‘Penny-Pinchers’ and ‘Steadfast Frugalists’ are just two of the four groups described by experts when categorizing how the country handles having less personal cash. In a another study from marketing strategy and research firm Decitica, involuntary Penny-Pinchers make up about twenty-nine percent of the population and out of the four groups they have been the most severely affected by the recession. While the penny-pinchers may have been forced to embrace thrift like never before, the frugalists (one-fifth of American consumers) are committed to self-restraint, engaging in prudence with unequivocal enthusiasm.

Nearly half the country cutting corners wherever they can doesn’t lend itself well to the past time of motorcycles.

A popular t-shirt and slogan compares riding to therapy and while true in many aspects recent financial challenges make the costs feel comparable as well. Aside from buying a luxury item such as a motorcycle, monthly insurance, the simplest customization and apparel of where a rider rode, all are costly and add up quickly.

But just as consumers have changed their spending habits to make ends meet, riders can shift gears on how they ride and in turn spend more time on the road.

The largest expense is the motorcycle itself. Buyers should make sure they buy what they can afford and ideally, make the purchase without borrowing. Aside from the interest paid on a loan, because there is a third party involved (the company who lent the money) the motorcycle's insurance will be more comprehensive and consequently cost more.

At the end of the day, every penny spent on a motorcycle loan payment could otherwise be used for those would-be motorcycle miles.

Heading for the road, some riders cruise into the habit of incorporating meals into their rides, meeting for breakfast before tackling a few hundred miles of asphalt, grabbing lunch and heading home. Drinks are bought when stopping for gas, maybe a snack.

Ironically, paying for gas to enjoy time in the saddle ends up being the smallest amount of the trip’s spending with all the impulsive purchases adding up to much more. With a little planning, not only can the additional expenses be saved but also take many riders back to the spirit of our riding forefathers.

Packing a breakfast or lunch and bringing enough drinks or snacks for the entire ride can keep riders cruising safely by those impulse purchases and keeping that hard-earned money in the wallet. Having a paper bag breakfast with your closest riding buddies at a quiet spot along the ride’s route will not only save money but transport bikers back to the golden age of motorcycles and riding. When the highways were freshly built and modern America was still being discovered riders would eat what and where they could, always guaranteed a table with a view.

As with packing for road trips, the responsibility of a hearty breakfast can be shared. A thermos of coffee, some homemade egg sandwiches and even juice can be brought by different riders of the group spreading the cost even further.

Another savings can be found as closely as your insurance card. Reviewing the motorcycle insurance policy every year, ensuring it has been bundled with your home and auto policies can make the cost of owning a bike that much less.  Clutch and Chrome covers motorcycle insurance, what it is and how much a rider should have in its article ‘All About Motorcycle Insurance’.

And many experts agree, the savings could be significant.

"Rates really vary a lot," says Ben Sheridan, general manager for motorcycle insurance with Progressive Casualty Insurance Co., the top motorcycle insurance underwriter in the U.S. "From one bike to another, they can be five to ten times different."

Making each dollar matter may have riders putting off motorcycle events or rallies who feel they can’t afford the expense that comes with attending. Where to stay and buying rally memorabilia can both drain a bank account or charge up a paid off credit card very quickly.

Or maybe not.