I am always confused by threads like this. Does one ride for the enjoyment of riding or does one ride for the ego fix of others attention. I had the opportunity to buy any make and model of my choosing and selected my RSTD based on Engineering+ Economics+Service offer+Dealer attitude. There is not a single argument to change my opinion. Lets consider a few of the more prominent arguments for buying a HD vs a metric bike.
Point one One of the very first arguments anyone makes when debating the HD vs Metric question is what??? yes, that's right American made!!! Supporting the American work force seems to be a very powerful motivator for HD owners. Well, it seems to me that the American ship captain that carried the container my bike came in, the Ameircan dock worker that unloaded the crate the American Teamster that drove the truck which carried my bike to the dealer,the American dealer that stocked my bike, the American salesmen that sold me the bike, The Amrrican fianance company that lent me the money for the bike, and last but not least, the American mechanic that services my bike. Now it may be a skewed perspective on my part but I am confident in stating I AM supporting the American workforce when purchasing a metric bike.
Point Two Resale value is the second most prominent argument HD dealers and owners make for purchasing a HD at a MUCH higher cost than a metric bike. I bought a 2007 Honda Shadow spirit VT750DC at the very beginning of the model year for $6300. I rode the bike for three years putting nearly 30,000 miles on "patience"( That was her name) I did a bit of modicfication changing out the jets, intake and pipes. When I traded her in for the RSTD I recieved $5100. Again, it may be my skewed perspective but I am confident in stating that metric bike held its resale value as well, if not better, than a HD.
Point Three A new HD of the floor two year warranty. My RSTD five year warranty. Enough said?
Point Four- A new Road King Standard starts at $18,900. A RSTD can easily be found for $10,999. Call me odd but I believe that to be easy math.
Point Five Engineering of the metric bikes is simply better. While I am a fairly handy fellow I would much rather be confident I will make it home from a long ride under my own power than need to stop to make repairs. As was stated earlier in the thread. these bikes will easily exceed 100k without any major mechanical issues. A HD will need major engine work long before that.
Point Six and perhaps my most important point is dealer attitude. when shopping for the new model each and every HD dealer had such an attutide of "take it or leave it" I was repulsed. In fact, one dealer even had the audacity to ask "Why am I riding a girls Bike? Am I not enough of a man to ride a HD?" After a very short battle of wits in which I quickly realized this simple fellow came completely unarmed, I left the dealer and went to happily buy my RSTD.
SO.. The point of all this rambling is to urge all to be confident in your purpose and your self. Ride for the sheer pleasure of riding, Don't feel obligated to wave at every Joe on two wheels that rides by and respect the all those that take to the road in the saddle of their beloved machine.
