Cushman scooters as a teen, young family in my 20s, then a series of inline 4 UJMs (Universal Jap Motorcycles) in my 30s-40s until I just grew tired of cycling. I honestly thought I was through for good until at age 58 I bought a used Sporty on a whim. None of the UJMs made me have to ride a few miles each evening regardless of whether I had anywhere to go or not. Five years later I'm still enjoying a daily ride as well as a 1-2 week tour annually.

 

I came back to the US in '74 and fell in love with the '74 Electra Glide, but on a Sgt's pay it wasn't in the cards. After my service I still lusted after the EG, but it just wasn't to be... Advance the clock ahead 33 years when time, money, and space combined to allow my dream bike to commence living in my garage. My wife was doubtfull, but after riding behind me for six months she started dropping hints that she wanted to learn how to ride. (Who are you & what have you done with my wife?) So, it came to be one day when she arrived home in a very fowl mood after suffering through a very bad day at work, low & behold there in the garage next to my EG was her little Honda Rebel... Bad day officially over!

She has been slowly learning how to ride and it's nice to have my best friend along. Now the last challenge is to get her up to road speed so that we can go somewhere together.

 

I had a Sting Ray bike with stick shift aimed right at my private parts way back in the 60's. I rode a Honda as a teen and started riding again about 8 years ago buying a used Honda. Bought my first new Harley in 2004. When I started riding again I kept asking myself why did I ever quit? Oh yeah some 'ol lady almost took me out but I'm a better rider now - I stay away from cars.

 

It took me 44 years, a dozen dirtbikes, half dozen sport bikes, 1 ex-wife, two almost grown kids and the realization that I will die broke with lots of debt but at least I will have a smile from riding my recently financed Night train.

 

Bought my first bike before i turned 30...i think i was about 27 or 28....im now 43. my 19 year old is in the mood for a crotch rocket and i told him NO WAY he WILL kill himself and he chuckled and said he knows i'm right. i have him convinced that the perfect harley for him is a wide glide (USED). i also told him i would pay for the MTII course but the bike is on him. i only wish i had a bike at 19 or20, when i didnt have a lot of responsability. now i have to wait until i retire to see the rest of the nation....one thing for sure i WILL be on a harley

 

Got my first Harley just a few months ago. I have always ridden dirt bikes, street bikes but never had my own street bike. It was hard to justify the expense and we like to pay cash so it takes quite awhile to save that much money and something else always comes up.

After making the decision to buy - a great deal of buyer’s remorse set in. I had to go about 2 hours from home to pick up the bike of my dreams and as my ride drove off I thought to myself what have I done. Well I had to go through with it, standing in a drive way with a pocket full of cash and no ride home. As he pried the money from my hand and I drove off a funny thing happened the first mile heading home, my eyes must be allergic to wind even with glasses on because they were watering. May have been a tears still not sure.

Well we have never looked back and after about 3,000 miles in the first couple of months and our first road trip (Fayetteville) under our belts I think it safe to say its the best DAMN thing I have ever spent money on.

 

I always wanted a Harley (note I didn't say motorcycle), but knew I didn't have the necessary discipline... I borrowed a friends 305 Honda back in 1971 a few times and never touched a bike again... I am into fishing... Started going to Florida for the entire winter in 2000... One day when for about the 10th day in a row it was beautiful out, but too windy for the boat I wandered into the Harley dealer... A month later I was taking the course, 2 weeks later renting Harleys, virtually every model they make... 4 months later I bought the FXDWG... I was 57, now 59 and a addict

 

re-read my post annd decided it was a thread-jacker type of response rather than a response to the OP. Deleted...

 

It's not bad if you use a bow and arrow.

But, you best have one big *** yard!!

 

Been riding since I was 10 or so. Dirt bikes Sport Bikes, cruisers. I could have easily afforded a Harley 20 years ago. Then prices went nuts, I could have afforded one but I didn't want one that bad and hated the attitude at the dealers.
Now over 40, I have an Ultra Classic.
I find myself looking for a Crotch Rocket again.