I'm glad to hear this story and yes, there are plenty of good people out there. And disasters of any size, (like even a broken motorcycle), bring out the best in people. I always try to help if I can and I've been helped plenty by strangers as well. It feels darn good to be of service to your fellow man or woman as well and I know that you would have done the same.
When someone needs a car pushed to the side of the road or a jump start, no one ever asks, "who did you vote for or who is your favorite sports team?" People just help, at least that's my experience. Sounds like a real mess with the Sportster, it's amazing how much havoc a small cut in an oil or fuel hose can cause.