I began this article with an open mind, willing to agree.
I finished it feeling like a contrarian, disagreeing with almost all the author's suppositions ....
"We want $5,500 motorcycles that weigh 230 pounds ..."
Huh? I like a solid bike under me, especially on an interstate. So, no, "we" don't want that.
"We blame everything from the Deep State to Chinese operatives to uncomfortable OEM seats for our displeasure."
I don't know a single person who believes in a "Deep State." So again, no, "we" don't blame those things. And stop speaking for me.
"And this, truly, is motorcycling. It’s not the bikes we ride ..."
Nope. It's ABSOLUTELY the bikes we ride.
Cameraderie is cool but it doesn't match the feeling of being a child zooming downhill on a magic bicycle you don't have to peddle. I'm not exagerating when I say I feel that on every ride. That's where the joy of motorcycling began for me. I still ride with that wonder in mind.
So, yeah, Gus Gloomy is welcome to his discontent and Deep State and displeasures, but he's not speaking for "we." I believe the majority of riders just happen to think riding is one of the coolest things you can do. It's that simple.