Hence why you tailor the bike to you. I was as well claustrophobic when I first got the Ultra so I put in the 6 inch windshield. I do appreciate that fairing, the lowers and the mini windshield when its raining or cold.

The music as mentioned in another thread actually enhances the 2 wheeled experience. If your a music lover and a motorcycle enthusaist the 2 compliment each other.

Another issue is how riding styles change over time.

Over the past five years, my "as the crow flies" distance from my house has shortened. My enjoyment of riding has increased, however. There are two major factors here that are singular issues for me only, not long distance riders.

The biggest issue is the changes in our overall household. My wife got hit with a double-whammie on health issues. She has a surgery, and then just as she's done with rehab, she requires a second surgery. This condition forced me to take more of a leadership role in everything, including shopping, household chores, the mutts, laundry, etc. I did my share as always, now I was doing 100% of the stuff. I always had to circle back home every three to four hours.

What I learned during that period was my 'desire' had changed. Just as focus on MC matters began to wane after college and 'adult style employment,' so did my total focus by living with bikes as a major aspect in my life.

I had retired, started a business where my presence was mandatory during certain conditions. And one thing home business experts tell you from the git-go is that just because you're the boss, a job is still a job. No sleeping late, you get up and work. Mine is a seasonal job, to boot.

But as a door closes a window opens. Having a short hauler allows me to ride anywhere, anytime. The gym has a paved apron near the door. Lots of middle-weight bikes, few GoldWings and Electra-Glides. And with gas and use within the city, Spinner let me ride more hours, even when working. The first time I rode her to the gym I felt like I was playing hookie.

The proof is in the pudding. Some/most area Electra-Glides get ridden 1K miles per season. A fellow gym rat got the big Harley of his dreams and rode it 1,300 miles the first year. I rolled over elevenK and wore out a tie, and you must remember Spinner's first season was only half in duration.

I guess the point is you adapt to the circumstances or quit riding. I know lots of guys who quit altogether and focused on home, jobs and family, returning to bike ownership upon turning 50 years of age. We refer to them as "born again bikers." I'm glad they're back, but they quit riding for 30 years.

In my life it's ride a Sportster every day or Betty four or five times per month. More to the point, I'm happier, and this shift is guilt free. I'm there for my wife and I get to wear out Harleys. I do this by modifiying a Sportster to excel for highway use.