Is motorcycle touring dying?

[Motörhead]

When I first started riding in the late 80's and through the early 2000's it was common to see younger riders on sport bikes with soft luggage and more mature couples two up on a full dresser or sport tourer out on the open road. A check of plates at fuel stops often revealed out of state plates. I even knew a guy who rode the entire length of Baja California and met a sponsored rider completing a trip on the old Pam Am all the way to the southern tip of Argentina.

Now, after three long trips of over 2,300 miles and a few weekend journeys I can count the number of people travelling on two wheels I've seen on one hand .

Anyone else notice this?

 

[kerryb]

I’ve only been touring about 12 years, but I have noticed a small decline recently.