I have owned many but haven't owned one for a long time (too long)
I used to think Harleys were awful things (a lot of people over here call them tractors) but the more i see.
That's a beautiful bike, all of it. I'm a cruiser person (that is the bike I ride in my icon). Without a scientific poll and just my observation, there are quite a few more Harley riders in the metro Detroit area when it comes to cruisers. I think a lot of guys (some women) around here de-badge their bikes when not Harley's. So unless you recognize the shape, you don't know if it's a Kawasaki, Suzuki or whatever.
HD did not have a great rep some years ago from all my meandering on the internet and endless forums. By that I mean the repairs and the vibrating come to mind. But who knows now? Maybe that was never a problem or if it was, it isn't any more. Never road one but was tempted a few times to test-ride or rent, which is pretty easy to do here but pricey (to rent).
Mine (Suzuki Boulevard) was $3,500, years ago, with 12,000 miles so super easy on the wallet. But my ideal bike?
Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 lt (light touring). It's a total beast, beautiful. It weighs 800+ pounds (mine is 610). I carry a passenger regularly so I get the idea. They have stopped making them but, as you know, you can get a gem (a little older but low, low miles and really well cared for) easily.
There's still some riding season left here (until late October more or less) and I am taking advantage of it.
One thing that makes me cringe is to see a long row of bikes outside of a bar. Just for me, I don't have a drop of anything in my body, ever, when I ride. As you know, it's quite a trick to take care of one's bike and predict what all the cars are doing. I just always hope that when I go by a bar like that, everyone is using their good sense and knows their limits. I'm sure they do but bars are, to me, incongruous with riding a motorcycle unless parked.
Boy, do I like to talk about motorcycles! And beer! And giving my opinion! Hooray.
By the way, a question, if you don't mind: I get "cheers" but you do "acheers," I think, when you greet new people. Is there a difference?