Yes, we did ride Harley's, Honda's, Yamaha's and others before we found out about BMW's.  Here are a few photos of some of those Brand "X" bikes.  We had at least ten different ones, can't find the photos.

1966 Harley Sportster 900cc XLCH (Kick-Start)

Bought this bike used in 1968, did a 15 coat lace paint job to it with spray cans  (looked good) and put the springer on it.  The front wheel would hop off the ground at freeway speeds.  Had it for two years, (may have rode it 15K, no speedo).  The bike was loud, fun and very reliable.

1972 Harley FX
Bought the bike new and customized it a bit after rebuilding the engine at 13K. Sifton Cam, 10:1 high compression pistons, Custom Paint, etc.   sold the bike at 25K.  It was fun, but I was glad to be rid of it. 

Before Helmet Laws (cool dude)
Well, at least we were smart enough to wear leather jackets.

1973 Harley FLH 1200 cc (HOG)

Bought this HOG from the parts man at the San Diego Harley Shop for $2,000 with only 3K on it.  It was about a $3,500 bike at the time.  Sounded like a good deal but this bike really cured me of Harley's.  It was the first year for disk brakes, and they were terrible.  But the worst thing was that the bike felt like it was going sideways all the time, maybe it was the 18" wheels ?  At any rate, I sold it at a profit within three months.  (JUNK).

1971 Moto Guzzi 750cc Ambasador

I had this bike between the two Hogs, but I should have kept it, I sold it to a friend after putting only about 10K on it.  Our friend put about 120K on it with very little trouble.  Beautiful looking bike, obviously very reliable, but they were a little on the sluggish side and the dealers are to far and in between for a serious touring machine.

Honda's, Yamaha's, Indian, Cushman, etc.

Yep, had all these too!  Don't have picture of all of them but here's a partial list (had others that were wrecks).

1963  Cushman, Super Eagle (2 Yrs, High School).
1978  Yamaha, 500 Single (used f/work about a year).
1981  Yamaha, 850 Triple (work bike 1-1/2 Yrs).
1975  Honda, Goldwing (all around f/ about 1 Yr.).
1978  Honda, Goldwing ( fixer upper to sell).
1983  Honda, Goldwing (had for 6 Yrs 80K).
1948  Indian, Chief (bought to sell, and did at a profit).
1925  Standard, Single ( sold with the Indian).