+1...err 2 now, gsJack.
I wish Americans were able to see the variety of bikes that are available. I know they think they wouldn't like anything else than their "Harley or Ninja" but I know they'd be pleasantly surprised and a bit intrigued of the cool bikes out there.
Example: My sis and her beau are hardcore Harley. They ride the juice out of their bikes and they have other brands they enjoy, but they have the 'Harley thing'
She hears me talking a lot about what I ride, what I'd like to get, neat bikes coming out, etc and they're supportive. The 'let's go ride' thing is all there, no matter what it is, but they'd take their Harley any day. Well, yesterday I talked to my sis. She says she stopped by a few bike shops near her place. The HD shop, then another one across the way, an Italian bird. Had Ducs, Aprilias, and some other items on the floor. She walked the floor, the sales guy was cool. She walked up to a new Monster 696 and the sales guy immediately fired it up. She said she was so shocked that a "bike like that" could sound that good. So she hopped on and she said it felt good. I think there's a bug in her ear now that you know, there are other bikes besides her Harley that would be fun and impressive to ride. Now, she still wants the 1200 anniversary thingamagigger, BUT, now she knows "Hmm, that Duc did sound and look good"