I've wondered often what happened to the Honda style of 70's. I cut my teeth on a CB350, and the ride was enjoyable. The bike wasn't fast, but what it lacked in power was made up with ease of handling that would allow you to ride city streets with a measure of defense from 4 wheelers that don't seem to see a bike anyway.

Then I got a Harley 883, while an "A" on looks (gun metal blue!), owed kudos to the CB350 on handling. This model of Harley had the center of gravity too high, which, given the power of the bike would allow you to ride at 60 and above, was a bust, as a casual gust of wind would have you swerving all over the road. It didn't help that it has a dry weight of 500+ lbs, which agitates the situation.

I'm homesick for the simple Hondas of yesteryear, but I'll have to get over it, I guess, since the marketing gurus have determined at Honda that bikes will either ape Harley; or the alternative, straight 4 high compression liquid cooled crotch rockets.

If you'd walk into a dealer, you'd find the bike you're looking for, guaranteed. A Suzuki SV650 might be right up your alley. Water cooled 650 V-twin with just enough power.

The new Triumph Bonneville's are nice too. The Bonnie Black - the all black one - is a thing of beauty. Plus: disc brakes, new electrics, electric start - and they're dead reliable. I had one and sold it to get an adventure bike, and still miss that thing...

I'll keep it in mind!

I have owned a BMW R1150R since I bought it new in 2001. This model is considered a "standard". It has ergonomics like the older bikes but excellent Brembo disc brakes, 4 valve heads, fuel injection (very useful for riding in Colorado) and great removable hard cases for running errands or touring. I usually get tired of a bike in about 5 years but it hasn't happened with this one.

For my nostalgic yearnings I own a 1972 Norton Commando which takes some work to get going, I won't go over 80 on, and if you really need to stop in a hurry downshifting works better than the drum brakes. But hey, it's cool and I can say I own a Norton.