Then and now
I first rode a twin in 1975. A friend lent it to me for six months. It had a certain aura about it (it was still the world's fastest production motorcycle in 1975), but in 1975, it was just "a bike". I rode it the 250 miles to the Isle of Man and back, and used it there as "mechanic's transport". A Rapide was worth about £200 then, a Commando under £600.
What impressed me most was the way it went up hills as though they weren't there, and on stopping, settled down to a regular tick-over.
Fast forward 27 years, and i bought a Shadow from the same guy. It was a good deal, but still a lot of money. It took about two relaxed years to get it roadworthy (it needed lights and so on). It started for the first time since 1969, on D-Day 2004.
The best bit of the whole experience was that it was exactly as I remembered: I hadn't been looking back through rose-tinted glasses. This was a huge relief. There were problems: lights and brakes that were acceptable in 1975 weren't appropriate for 2004, but in every other respect, it was a great motorcycle. Modern electrics fixed one problem, aftermarket 2ls brakes the other. Handling? OK for what it was designed for, and what I use it for, which is touring. I don't "scratch" on the roads any more. It does go over the ton, but is at its best between 30 and 90, in top gear. It is a very relaxed motorcycle. I use it for touring, riding, and commuting, alternating with a 900 Monster, and while the Monster is faster, and handles and stops much better, my journey times, and the grin on my face, are the same.