Hi mate,
Yeah, I have done a bit of cycle touring in Scotland and Australia and have always been a fairly keen 'day-tripper'. I agree that the simplicity of a bicycle has it's attractions, and as an ex-cycle mechanic the knowledge that I could strip and rebuild everything down to the last brass bushing in a derailer was a comfort!
Motorcycling certainly isn't as peaceful as cycling and you are not quite as connected to the surroundings, but everything is relative. I have done a couple of biggish trips by car and find that you feel far more part of the the landscape on a m-bike. It is harder work, you get wet, cold, hot, tired, smelly; indeed many of the things you get cycle touring! I'd say touring by motorbike has more in common with cycle touring than 'car touring'.
I'd disagree with the idea that motorcycling is less 'free' than cycling though. You just have a different type of freedom. The greater distances you can cover mean you have a greater choice of places to visit.
Motorcycling is a good compromise between comfort and 'adventure'. You get way more adventure, a far greater feeling of having experienced the landscape through which you've travelled, than in a car; but much greater comfort (both in terms of effort/clothing/seat and luxuries you can carry with you) than on a bicycle.
Like I say, I really enjoy cycling (particularly off-road) but at the ripe old age of 34 (I know pathetic ain't it!) I'd enjoy a week or two (or even more) of motorcycling more than the same on a bicycle.
JMHO
Matt
Welcome to the club!

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!