Another vote for an older BMW
Robert...
I wish I could remember who said it on one of the HU DVD's, but the advice given there was to buy the motorcycle of your heart. That's the best advice anyone can ever give you. I was fortunate enough to come to that conclusion on my own several years ago and found myself a '75 R60/6. I've put 70,000 miles on it... from the top of Alaska to central Turkey. I love it. It's an easy bike to become your own mechanical expert on, all parts are easily available on-line and there are some excellent maintenance-oriented websites to help you understand what's going on.
I'd have to say that the only drawback is that it seems to be a real heart breaker. People come up to me all the time, gaze at it and sigh. It seems that a lot of people had them in their youth and regret ever having gotten rid of them. Many have told me that it was the best bike they've ever had. Makes me feel bad. Sort of.
But follow your heart, and you will not regret your decision, no matter what it is. Once you decide, shop carefully, get one in good condition, and learn it inside and out. It's your horse. Take good care of it, treat it nicely and it will always take good care of you. Good luck!
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