As a young man I couldnt see what all the hype about Harley was for. As I matured I began to gain a new found respect for the Harley Davidson and the brotherhood that comes with it. When you buy a Harley you dont just buy a motorcycle you buy into a brotherhood of sorts that is unequaled. You become part of something that is much bigger than yourself alone a comradre that I have never begun to expierence with any of my 20 some Japanese rides. Dont get me wrong 2 wheels is 2 wheels but I will never own another Jap bike.

To the first couple of posts: Say what you like about the Harley Davidson motorcycle (here), or the people that ride them (here on this forum). I'll bet you'll keep your mouth shut once you pull up along side one or more. Er, ah, go ahead-tell em how you feel! And never, never forget: One BigTwin Harley Davidson could drag six Japanese bikes 30 miles or more (assuming the chain is strong enough). It's like I once heard: "God created Harley Davidson, and while he was asleep", the Japanese snuck in the back door. On second thought, keep your pie hole shut. Long live the FLSTNI.

If you like the bike, buy it. Personally I feel the stock fenders and tanks on the Jap bikes look a little cheesey. Almost the Limburger or Roquefort variety. If you're going to copy the Harley Davidson Fat Boy, make it a good copy for pity's sake. The tanks all sit unaesthetically horizontal, the bobbed fender variety doesn't bob right, the factory colors are ALWAYS crap(I saw one in baby blue in a showroom!--who the hell would be caught dead riding a baby blue bike?)! Bikes like the Fat Boy need no further alterations- they look good right out of the showroom and it's the only bike the Japs have truly envied as evidenced by all the clones- Suzuki Volusia, Kawasaki Vulcan Classic, Honda Shadow ACE(or rather the new VTX line), and the Yamaha V-Star line. Of all these, the Honda aftermarket reigns supreme in beautifying your ride. But how about coming out with one that's pretty right off the runway? Engineering is no contest, the Japs rule. Performance parts? There's always a large aftermarket for all bikes. But the LOOK...let's not kid ourselves here... the Japanese homage to the FAT BOY is VERY evident. I for one agree with it- it's the MOST beautiful bike ever(okay that's just my frickin' opinion)! But hey...there ARE other Harleys to clone, my Japanese buds from across the pond! How 'bout a nice SPRINGER SOFTTAIL line? Or a HERITAGE SPRINGER line with those ALWAYS COOL twin pipes jutting out from BOTH sides of the bike? Chill out with the FAT BOY theme already! A pint-sized 1100cc Heritage Springer would bring tears to my eyes! You see, for all the hype and bravado of our great American bike company, they are FAILURES when it comes to selling bikes to the throngs of PINT-SIZED people such as myself whose heart sank when he realized the Fat Boy was just...just a little bit too big for his 5'2 frame(sob,sniff!)- and I'm truly serious about that. One arrogant response from the salesmen convinced me that Harley's arrogance is the reason the Japanese bike market is expanding beyond belief now. His response, Well, son...some people just weren't born to ride. This said as he walked off in the other direction to tend to a burly six footer with a beard and belly only Santa Claus would envy. Born to ride? Is this fool convinced only 1-percenters buy Harleys? Am I supposed to earn my right to ride by joining the Hells Angels? Bandidos? Warlocks? Vagabonds? Would I earn respect walking into a Harley dealership wearing their colors? Sorry, Mister Harley man...the BIKE still won't fit. And people like me represent quite a large populations of riders YOU will never be able to sell a bike to because of your arrogance. To the Jap manufacturers: KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK....and clone the rest of the Harley line soon: the Deuces, Springer Softtails, Heritage Springers, Lowriders....and continue kicking Harley's ass in sales and reliability.

Harley's SUCK. They cost twice as much as they are worth. The leak oil, break down, and rattle themselves apart. Oh yes and resale value.. well once all the middle age men who own Harley's decide they are to old to ride who is going to buy these overpriced pieces of junk. Certainly not the younger guys....they are used to sportbikes that offer higher horsepower and better technology at a fraction of the price. But if IMAGE is what your all about by all means march down to your local Harley dealership to get screwed like all the other lemmings.

Although the Harley bashers are bound to chime in on any of these ratings, the resale facts and overall looks speak for Harely Davidson. Softails have the nostalgic look and are best suited for someone who likes the 'discomforts' of motorcycles. No fairings, stereos, etc. On the other hand, the weight makes them much more comfortable than Sportsters. The variety of styles H-D has created gives the buyer a chance to be an individual. I could afford to buy a new bike anytime, but I just like my FLS too much to part with it.

Middle of line bike for experienced riders. Years of production and slow refinement of technology make for a thoroughbred. Each one is an individual. Bragging rights!

The best bike in the world but the price is too high and young people can't afford it.