Hi Guys,
Well, having kids at home meant that for years I had only one bike, my '77 "D". Stock except for replacing the worn-out stock shocks with some from a Triumph. I live 70 miles north of Seattle, and before my mother passed away, my parents lived in San Diego. I regularly rode the 1300 miles down to visit, sometimes lugging a sidecar on the Yamaha.
After my Mom passed away, my father moved to Montana, and I went over there several times on the now-elderly XS, with a second sidecar. 600 miles each way, so if I left in the morning I could get there in time for a very late dinner.
In between major trips, I spent time riding down to Oregon to visit friends in the Portland area. That's 220 miles each way, and seemed an easy afternoon ride. As mentioned, the seat isn't ideal, and a sleeping bag strapped on right behind me was great for lower back support.
When I got a bit more money, I could choose between the old Yam and an even older Norton Commando, and although the Norton did not vibrate above 1700 rpm, the Yam was WAY more reliable. I know we all bemoan the alternator (especially the rotor), but back then I knew that if I left for San Diego, I would arrive in San Diego!
I've had well over 75 bikes over the years, but the one bike I will never sell is the 1977 "D" Yamaha. We went through a barbed-wire fence together and survived, and she has always done more than her share of getting me home when there was no possible way to do it. She's old, and plain, and getting a bit tired---gee, kinda like me---but she is wonderful, and I love every inch of her!
Isn't it strange: a love affair with a bike. (God, A Girl Bike! Am I some sort of Lesbikeian?)