[HardDrive]

I have to agree with afterburn and chocaholic, I do think HD is painting themselves into a demographic corner. I don't want a cruiser. I don't tour. They killed off Buell just as they were starting to put out bikes that seriously could compete with the Europeans.

I like the Nightster and the '48' Sportsters they make. But Harley people themselves are derisive of the Sportster. And a 1200cc sporty weighs 560 lbs wet! Not exactly the most flickable bike in the world.

When I had gotten out of college in the early 90s, I visited a couple Harley dealerships, and was seriously considering putting in an order. But I decided I was just too broke at the time to do it. Skip ahead 20 years, and I could certainly own one today. But I have zero interest. The whole inane 'HOG' marketing monster has simply killed it for me. Do I want to be associated with guys wearing $1500 worth of brand new Screaming Eagle gear, driving their 800 lbs land yachts with straight pipes, revving their engines at stop lights like a bunch of teenagers? No. No I don't.

I don't mean to offend anyone, and frankly, I still might buy Harley at some point just to check it off the bucket list. But it will be despite the companies image, not because of it.