@purple I have legitimately thought about a motorcycle for a good while. Especially for long distance, with maybe that metaphorical Taurus/Sable as a <$500 beater car with enough parts removed to rival a base model 80s Civic. Motorcycles at the ≤$1k zone *exist*, but one might have to pay up more for all of the below:
>runs
>won't fear for life on highways (200cc+, I hear that the TW200 just requires a different tune to go faster)
>accepted by motorcycle training classes (50-300cc), optional but feels convenient
>reliable manufacturer & model
>street legal

I am lucky to have lived in a town where I could mostly get around with a bicycle, but that won't cut it if going out-of-town. There is no way I am going to bikepack every single time to meet in a different city.