Harleys have an extensive dealer network and name recognition.

Metrics are more often water cooled and offer more technology for the buck.

It's all a matter of personal choice.

I couldnt vote, all bikes are good, its a matter of taste and finacial situation. For me to be totally satisfied, iwould need bout 6 bikes. I ride a suzuki intruder and love it.But if i had an ultra classic i would love it. A few years ago I had a KZ 1000 and love it. Lets face it it isnt the bike that makes it great, its the wind in your hair and the ride that makes it all good.

Its a personal thing.. For me the look and the sound of the Harley Motor is amazzing..And some day I will have an Ultra...

For now I have a C90.. Air cooled V-Twin that makes a Fat Boy look skinny.. I have had many many bikes from inline 4s to smaller cruisers and HATED them all.

The C90 has taken me by suprise and it a keeper. At least untill I can get an Ultra Clasic.

Rob

Ah, the one topic with so many diverse opinions... All makes have their pros and cons, kind of like comparing Chevy to Ford to Toyota. Some loyalists will swear to one brand over another but the reality is you're the one going to plunk the money down and live with it. To get a stock HD and then start adding your own modifications your starting at a much hire amount than buying a metric and probably paying the same amount as you would for the HD for most accessories. Doesn't matter if you're talking a Linby Mutibar on an HD Road King or a metric the cost is the same. Mustang seats-same, Cobra Pipes -same, Power Commander, etc... If buying the metric you also really need to think about the intended make and model and your plans for building it into the type of bike you desire. Bags, windshields, highway bars, etc.. Although today the metric market is thriving, still some obscure metric models do not have enough of a following for it to be profitable for someone to manufacture accessories which limits the amount of bolt on options available. For the more popular ones, this is not the case. Also watch your maintenance costs on the metrics as sometimes they can use odd tire sizes which can be costly if only a couple of manufacturers make them. (the 190/60/17 rear on a Yamaha Stratoliner/Roadliner is a good example) Or Yamaha might use 5 quarts of oil vs. an HD using 2.5 quarts because of Yamaha's wet clutch design. This does not seem like a biggy but if running synthetics at $9-10 qt. that can get pricey for frequent oil changes. If you do go the metric route, make certain you have enough self esteem to ward off the latte drinking, everyone wishes they were me comments from the HD crowd. If you go the HD route make certain you are not labeled as a follower, don't know snot about good performing bikes, and can park in a crowd and not mind the other 12 bikes that look like your own. See pros and cons all makes... The reality is HD has a fit and finish with hard chrome parts unlike any others. While Yamaha and Honda use plastic chrome to lighten the weight distribution and improve performance. The hard chrome does last but the plastic is easily replaced at a much lesser amount if damaged. Who is right? Well, that argument continues today feed by the marketing of manufacturers who capitalize on it. While the HD is durable and will last with proper care, to be honest, most folks grow bored with a ride in a few years and don't own the same bike for decades. One of the most important benefits of HD is really in the dealer network and availability of replacement parts. Yes, all dealerships have shops and can order parts but sometimes to find a good mechanic on the metric side can be difficult or take an extra day to get a part. That's down time when you're not riding... Not bashing all mechanics but some are mere tire changers and do a poor job at that. If you plan to wrench yourself this is not an issue. I've grown fond of my STARs and have even owned Harleys in the past, all bikes are fun to ride, and you kind of have to think of them as former girlfriends. All had unique characteristics that make them special regardless so find one and begin your obsession.

I Love riding and I respect all riders and what they choose. in my 35 years of riding I have done them all...Knuckleheads,shovels,pans, and of course the wonderous AMF years of H/D's Worked and worked and worked lovingly on all of them to keep them going. When I became a grandfather approx 10 years ago I bought a little yammy V twin 650 to commute to work and play on weekends. It then became a joy to ride again... I relised that you could fill up your tank and just go without worring about making it home. Since I do my own maint and I do not abuse the machine I have gotten 114,000 miles on the little V-star. I recently moved up to a 2008/ 1900 stratloiner (The dealers are making deals to move old inventory) No-one and I mean No-one out there has a bike that looks,rides,handles and runs with the big strat for the same money No-one!!!... Like I said I respect what others own ride and love but..If you don't mind working on a harley... buy a harley..Just an opinion... ride safe...

Metric = less expensive, less vibration, appeals to less brand name conscious buyers, HD = part of a group that all like to ride the same brand (HOG Chapters), a lot of HD branded merchandise available

I would own a Harley but then I'd have to add on 600 sq ft to my garage to make room for a much larger ego...

Buy American! Your job depends on it.

I used to be able to "buy American" and get a couple of very nice Honda's but when that ended it was pretty close to the end of the "buy American" excuse when buying a bike.

H-D uses parts made overseas today though many die hards refuse to believe it.

I'm not up on Victory but I'm sure they have foreign parts also.

Buy the bike you like and enjoy it!

And my job doesn't depend on it.