Overall owning a motorcycle was a summary of coincidents. I bought my first bike for the commuting when living in California 1998. It was Suzuki Intruder 1400. It was ok, but since locals had Harley-Davidsons as a majority brand, I decided to buy one, when my assignment was extended year 2000. The other reasons were the value and history of the brand and also the social aspects. You feel to belong in the family more stronger as with Suzuki. Also I noticed in California that with Suzuki I had to explain why I end up with that brand. With a Harley this was not necessary.
I didn't maintain my Suzuki, but with Harley I kind of got interested of that too, though I didn't have any earlier experience of maintaining engines, cars or motorcycles. I've already learned a lot of 88B engine, yet not being a guru.
Of riding I have to say that it is very relaxing to go new places and find new small curvy roads. Finland is not California but we have here a lot of paved country roads, which are just wonderful to ride. After the ride the bike is like a farm of dead insects, since we have here a plenty of bugs seeking motorcycles to hit and die.
