Gummiente wrote:black mariah wrote:Yeah, you're right. I wannabe rich enough to afford a Harley. I'd spend the money on a REAL bike instead.

Thanks for proving my point!

+1
There are a lot of harley haters on this board..most of whom it seems have never owned one and just hate the image/culture. I'm not sure why one has to buy into an image or culture to get or like a bike, but there you have it. Many individuals also feel that harley's don't give enough stuff to be worth their money - but I just bought an 06 sportster for way under MSRP and had the extended warranty pretty much thrown in (2200, 7 years unlimited miles, and it includes all the $$ for the 1k, 2500 and 10000 mile service, plus unlimited oil changes) so I don't buy that..I think it depends on the dealer you go to as well.
If you're interested in them I'd check them out. Before doing all of this I will admit I wasn't that impressed with them..but thats mostly because I'd read on this board and another how they're so overpriced, all the dealers suck, all the owners suck, etc etc etc..and it wasn't true in my experience. And comparing it to the other bikes I was interested in, it was the best deal. The honda dealership near me, on the other hand, though that they pooped out gold and wouldn't budge on their price at all.
I can't speak to reliability because my bike is only a week old - but I do know I'm not worried about it. Everything is covered for 7 years and most I'll ever be responsible for is a $50 deductable..plus I get free towing should I need it, and a loaner bike.