And again, the point is completely missed.
It isn't the bike I have problems with. It's the attitude of the riders. Why pretend that the Harley is some sort of unicorn? It isn't some magical, mythical creature; you can get the same ride, feel and performance from any of the other big, bulky cruisers out there. (The 2009 Stratoliner S delivers a max 123ft/lbs of torque at 2500 RPMs, just for comparison.)
Funny thing about my Ducati; you won't ever here me claim it's better than a Japanese bike. Gixxers are incredible, no argument from me. I bought it because I've wanted one since I was a kid; I loved the look and I loved the sound (that you can't get anywhere else). The same reason many people buy Harleys, but I don't have the attitude that Ducatis are the end all and be all of the motorcycle world.
However, it IS a
modern bike that IS insanely fast and handles perfectly. Any arguments there?
My 1198 is all of the things I've said, although it's just over a year old with not quite 5k on the clock. I have a couple of friends who also own Ducatis (different models) and never had any problems with them over the years. In my experience they are incredibly reliable. If they suck so bad, why still own one after all the bad experiences racing them?
As far as "proving" to you that I own my bikes:
A. I'm not 12 years old.
B. I don't care if you believe me or not.
I have no ego to get caught up in this. I can't be goaded or prodded. I don't care what you think beyond the limited entertainment of this discussion. I don't really care about the subject matter, beyond the fact that I disagree with your attitude "if we have to explain, you wouldn't understand." What a snotty, exclusionist douche-baggish attitude to lay on someone who just asked a simple question. [EDIT: stated his honest opinion, which these kinds of posts are asking for.]
Again, the difference: you get on your Gixxer and I'll get on my Duke, and we both
understand the exact same thing. Two wheels at unreal speed in the twisties. You get on ANY big V-twin, no matter who makes it, and you understand the same thing. Highway cruising on two wheels with a big, rumbling hunk of iron between your knees.
As far as the cost of Harleys being excessive, I think that would be obvious due to Harleys increasing financial woes. Almost $80 a share in 2007, down to $11 a share in 2009. The only reason they're at $30+ a share now is due to their $600m bailout (non-government - at a whopping 15% interest, about double what it should be.) This, amongst the Buell line drop and continued layoffs. Imagine that.
However, they do seem to have started getting the message, since they're making
some effort to keep prices down.
2000 RKC MSRP - $16,490
2010 RKC MSRP - $17, 900
2000 XL 883C Custom - MSRP $6,595
2010 XL 883 Low - MSRP $6,999
Although for the reduced cost of the the "Low" model, you get cast wheels. Spokers are another $460, and any color other than black is another $290. Seriously?
The Japanese bike makers are putting the hurt on them, with no one to bail them out. I wonder why?
I was going to say something else, but I wanted to keep this short.
Have a nice day!
