It's probably more to do with my own interest level. I've been finding it hard to get excited about anything motorcycles for about a year.
I think a big problem is that none of the companies I like are making new bikes, and if they do, they're things that I am personally uninterested in (ie, Tiger Explorer, Trophy, Diavel, etc).
I need to get back into it, but not sure how. I just got back from a trip to Europe (England, France, Italy) and I was really pumped by their motorcycle cultures. Our hotel in Paris was on a street by the Arc de Triomph called Les Grande Armee, and the entire street on both sides was motorcycle dealerships and gear stores and shops. Not only that, but it was all really high quality, tasteful shit. No chrome in sight, no painted on flames, no ridiculous nonsense. It was just mean machines, purpose-built, and ridden for the joy of riding.
I'm just so tired of being mean-mugged by weekend warrior pussies on Harley's. I ride my fucking motorcycle as a commuter, I ride in rain and lightning, and I build shit myself- Don't look at me like a tough guy because my feet are on rearsets instead of highway pegs. I hate the superiority bullshit from people riding machines that are rolling obscenities of noise and poor taste.
I came back from Europe wanting a BMW F800R, New Norton (rumors aside), and another project bike to work on, but I hate spending money.
If only Triumph would come out with a NEW motorcycle. I know it's controversial, but I want a Bonneville with edgier styling and more intense equipment (suspension, wheels, etc.). I know this is kind of the niche of the Street Triple, but... I don't know.
Ah well. I guess I'll finish shaving my triple tree tonight and hope that old spark comes back. Sorry to bitch.