Back when I was in college, my first real ride was also a 66 Suzuki X-6. Amazingly fast for such a small machine. Continued riding while in the Army (another X-6 in CA), then picked up a 71 CL350 in Japan; brought it back home and STILL kick myself for selling it!
Didn't ride for quite a while, then my son showed up with a 76 XL250 he'd found for about $35.... Helped him get that up & running and then got bitten again.
Guess I never got out of the 70s as far as styling goes- have had & sold a few old Japanese bikes, but now have "only" four, all of which were given to me --though that does NOT mean they were free of cost...
Now I ride not every day, but pretty much every month out of the year if the roads are clear. Mostly the 75 CB360, just cause it's so simple- push button, start, go, and get 50+mpg. As long as the trip is less than 35 miles, one can avoid the dreaded Honda twin "numb-butt" syndrome!
For longer trips, I came into an 82 Yamaha Virago 750. Very smooth, plenty of power (I only weigh about 135) and quite comfortable. No spokes, no sprockets, no chain--love it!
Latest acquisisiton is a 71 CB100 which had been in a barn for years & years. Still a "work in progress."
Yes, riding is/can be dangerous, but manageable if you stay constantly alert for dummies, and always assume that that guy who's looking right at you WILL pull out right in front of you!