Interesting Article

[mzflorida]

The Age of Discontent - Adventure Rider

Columnist Neil Graham asks: Motorcycles are better than ever. So why are we so grumpy?

www.advrider.com

It's not just about motorcycling but rather about how our social and cultural conditions may be impacting the industry and our attitudes toward it. It's worth the read.

 

[Delray]

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.

 

[mzflorida]

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.

I see your points but think much of what you cited is intentional hyperbole to try to be more impactful.

 

[mzflorida]

I see your points but think much of what you cited is hyperbole to try to be more impactful.

I meant intentional hyperbole used by the author, not you! Sorry for lack of clarity on that.

 

[Delray]

"I meant intentional hyperbole used by the author, not you!"

Haha, I got your meaning. Your point makes sense. It's all about getting clicks and generating reader comments, right? (and I fell right into their trap, posting a response on their site ;o).

 

[mzflorida]

"I meant intentional hyperbole used by the author, not you!"

Haha, I got your meaning. Your point makes sense. It's all about getting clicks and generating reader comments, right? (and I fell right into their trap, posting a response on their site ;o).

I think I did too! I can’t recall if it was that or on the 2025 bikes. I want that NT1100 Honda has everywhere but here in North America. Almost a Cinderella bike for me.