One of the things I learned to accept is that these bikes can definately be an expensive luxury. Don't get me wrong, I love my BA, and it's only my own fault that I'm too cranky and old to want to learn all of the new tech stuff, but I can fix my old trumpet with my eyes closed for very reasonable parts prices. Some of my favorite conversation starters begin with "the headlight ring for this bike is $170." I would hate to have to be the poor man I was twenty years ago and try to own and maintain the newer bikes. Some of my son's friends occasionally pick up an old jap bike for next to nothing, only to find out the parts to get it running make it worth only junk. In the old days(and I know most of you here can relate!), you could pick up an old beater and get it running for way less than a weeks paycheck if you had the mechanical know how or some friends to help you out.
