Here in northern NJ there is simply too much traffic and too many horrible drivers to enjoy a motorcycle (or even a stick shift); there is something Darwinian at work in more rural areas north & west that seems to keep bad drivers off the road. I’ve never had an interest in motorcycles (I’d feel naked/unprotected on one), and our climate here really isn’t ideal for them; I remember often seeing them under overpasses during rainfall.
Maybe in a drier climate with less obstacles they’d be fun, but you are still fairly unprotected.
They’re popular toys here, weekend warriors playing biker. Summer isn’t high season because of bugs, I understand they hurt at highway speeds. During fall, warm winter days and spring, they’re out in force. The Blue Rdge Parkway is a very popular destination for them, and they like to take the scenic route, the long way around, which runs them right through the little outer suburban town I call home.
Recently had fatal on I 80
Belong to local Fire department - air bags had all deployed
Victim was not wearing a belt and was thrown around inside
and broke her neck
Dead at the scene
Point is wear you seat belts......