I am a motorcyclist and I consider all of my motorcycles and scooter to be toys. I have never commuted on a motorcycle and never will. I don’t run errands with motorcycles. My sole use of motorcycles is for pleasure riding, to go visit family, go on long distance travel/camping trips, or ride on forest roads. Since I consider motorcycles to be toys, it’s no wonder many non-motorcyclists would think the same. I fully realize some people in the USA use motorcycles as basic daily transportation.I just love the way people (aka cagers) jaw drop when I tell them my MPG. Or refer to my NC as “basic transportation” Because they think of motorcycles as toys.
On the subject of MPG, I do wish motorcycles could do better. I could be riding my Goldwing alone alongside a Prius with four occupants and that car could be getting better mileage than my motorcycle. I think the NC has the right idea in terms of engine efficiency, but the horrible aerodynamics of the motorcycle in general needs improvement.