Finally received email allowing me into the forum... My first bike is a 2001 black panther. I bought it new in 2003 for $5,800. To date I have about 21,000 trouble free miles. I even rode it from west central Wisconsin to Sturgis this summer. I need a different seat and a steering dampener if I do that much riding again.
The only mods I've done is built a rear rack( it can hold at least 175 lbs as my future brother in-law rode on it facing backwards for a couple miles) and installed a small wind screen. I am currently riding it as my other bike that has a sidecar isn't running yet. I had better get it running soon as snow is coming. I would ride it through the winter if I was taller. I am 5'7 and the dealer was able to lower the bike about an inch. It's just too tall for me in icy conditions. God speed, Marco