Yes, after almost 2 decades of riding Japanese motorcycles and talking trash about "American Iron" I finally took the plunge and plunked down a few thousand for my first Harley...  As I explained to the salesman, the bike I was purchasing (2003 Sportster) was obviously for my wife as my 6'5" frame would look ever so silly on such a small contraption...

After nearly 3000 miles of un-interrupted fun cruising on this thing, I believe I'll head back to the dealer and ask about one more appropriate for my stature...   NOT to begin slamming Japanese bikes (there are still two in my stable!) I'll elaborate a bit...

It seems that within the past 5-10 years that the classic sound and looks of the Harley's have taken a HUGE popular upswing and what better way to belong to that club than on the original???

During the 70's while AMF owned Harley Davidson, the quality control at assembly plants was on a permanent holiday... This is no longer the case, they simply don't break down.  Talk to someone who owns an "EVO" motor (produced @ 1990-present) and they'll most likely not describe a breakdown. 

Who in their right mind wants to buy a Harley "clone" anyway?  It seems since the patents (trust me there were several) ran out on some of the styling cues of these bikes, that all of the other manufacturers have become competetors now...  Possibly because they're copying "the original"???

Here is the clincher ladies and gentleman...  PRICE a Harley and compare it to a clone!  The initial purchase prices are very similar to be brutally honest, BUT then price what that model will sell for in a few years!!!   Note that earlier I said I'm looking into another Harley someday?  NOT that I was looking to part ways with my now beloved "Sporty"  (There is after all room for one more bike in just about any garage)

For now, I'll continue to keep the bike that's worth more now than when I bought it new...

Best investment I'VE ever ridden on!!!

p.s. If you've been around motorcycles long and haven't looked into a motorcycle safety foundation course, DO SO...  I take one every few years just to "brush up" and will hopefully with their help be around for another decade or two of enjoying this hobby!!!  Hope you are too