LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

RIDE, UNRIDDEN

I still find it amazing how polarizing a new model of a motorcycle can be. There's always the one side that lives by the old adage, "change is good." Then there are those on the other side, the purists, who feel so strongly against anything severely different from what they are used to. I guess their motto is, "If it ain't broke... upgrade it!"

There is a small population that lives in between, the grey area that believes that if the bike can be better, make it better and if that means ending the run of one model to introduce something completely new, then so be it.

The "interweb" has been set ablaze with tirades that run the gamut of emotions relating to the new Yamaha YZF-R7. And most of the rants occurred long before the general public had access to throwing a leg over it, let alone seeing actual images of the bike. Even riders that were not Yamaha owners or fans chimed in with their strong and hefty opinions.

As a journalist, I find it all entertaining and inspiring. To have a strong opinion about something new, sight unseen, and ride unridden... means that the passion for our industry is alive ever strong. The riding community is dialed and connected with what's happening in and around our industry.

That inspires me.

Best, Allan @mrblackmoses

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