I just recently discovered this thread and have read it completely through and enjoyed most of it. I bought my first motorcycle in December of 1969 and paid a whopping $300 for it. It was a 1960 FL, an ex police bike out of Milwaukee with tank shift and foot clutch and that's what I learned to ride on. I've only owned Harley Big Twins for street bikes and have never been without one since 1969. I have owned a few dirt bikes through the years. My current bikes are a 1999 Heritage Springer, a 2003 Electra Glide Classic and a 2010 Crossbones. I like the springer front ends and if I could get a bagger with one, I'd get one and sell the Electra Glide but that's not going to happen, so I'll be keeping the "garbage scow", as I affectionately call it . I usually ride about 350 miles a week between the three, taking turns so as not to ruffle any feathers. The only time I don't ride is when there is ice and snow on the roads which fortunately doesn't last for much more than a couple of months around here. The picture of the Heritage Springer was taken on my 72nd birthday last summer.