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Good post Jeff, I pretty much agree with everythign you said. Realize though that there are some folks out there on newer HD's, that are younger but don't fit the typical stereotype.
I bought my first street back at 29, back in 2003. I bought the HD in 06, after all the 07's and their bigger engines and 6 speeds had really lowered the prices of the 06's left. I sold my BMW GS, as it was too big for what I was using it for (fire trails and jeep roads) and I had since purchased a dirt bike to use in the mud (it doesn't dent the tank when you tip it over into a rock like the GS did..). I was also commuting 62 miles each way mostly on the interstate, and wanted something comfortable for the ride. The Electra Glide fit the bill perfectly, and like I have said, I was a little tired of the BMW crowd. Yep every brand has it ass jockeys.
I still ride most of the year in my armored BMW riding gear, because it works, and I like it. I do have leathers, but only when its real cold will I put them on.
I'm not a big fan of throwing more chrome on my bike, and everything that has been done to it, mostly go faster goodies, has been done by me (I do have a cool Grateful Dead primary cover thing on there, so I guess that might fall into the chromosexual bit).
Now with that being said, I have friends that fit the RUB stereo type to the T. The wear the gear, only want to ride to the closest dealership, which just happens to be next to a Hooters, so I meet them there every once in a while after taking the long way. With a 6 year old and a 3 year, my dirt and street riding time has definitley dimished, so I take advantage of it when I can. But that is what they want to.
I have other firends that if the ride isn't 250 miles, they aren't interested. There isn't much better than crusing through the Colorado mountains on a bike, so I spend a lot of time with them.
I am a member of HOG, I have never been to a meeting, or a ride, and the pins they send get stuck in a drawer somewhere, and the patches on one of the legs of my lift. I do like some of the tech tips, of the riding atlas has come in handy, so I renew every year, for pretty much the same reasons I am a member of PCA.
This is getting long winded, but I am glad you bought the Duc, and found the atmosphere at their dealership refreshing. Its good to remember one of the reasons why you ride every once in a while. With regards to HD, and the direction they are going, ehh, my next bike might be from some Lawyer or Accountant that has low miles and is cheap since they want to get out of the hobby, so I look at HD selling more bikes as a positive thing.
Bill
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