In 1965 I bought my first bike a well used 1952 BSA 500cc single for $125.00. I believe it was the B34 model. It had the standard hard tail rear end. It was not very dependable and parts were hard to find...It was a son-of-a-gun to kick-start...but the riding was fun when it ran!
In 1972 I bought a new Yamaha XS 650 and rode the hell out of that bike for thousands of problem-free miles until the family came along.
In 2001 I bought a new Yamaha Midnight Road Star which I enjoyed until health problems in 2010.
This year I found an absolutely pristine 2004 Triumph Speedmaster with only 6400 miles and at least 250 pounds lighter than my Road Star and I am enjoying riding again!
Good luck and ride safe!
Bluto
