My 2003 Suzuki SV1000 is lighter, cheaper, more reliable, handles better and stops quicker than anything Harley has ever produced. I used to live in Hollister, CA, and saw many broken Harleys during the annual biker invasion. They were everywhere.
I even did a social experiment one day and rode my Honda CB600F3 to Johnny’s Bar & Grill. Parked it right in front amongst all the Harleys. Not only did no one speak to me, no one even made eye contact. I rode home, switched bikes and returned within 10 minutes on my Triumph Sprint RS. That bike drew a crowd before I turned off the engine, with the Harley cruiser types wanting to sit on it, and commenting about how pretty it was. No one seemed to recognize my helmet and leathers from a few minutes earlier.
While riding my bikes over the years I have found that almost everyone waves, no matter the type of bike. The ribbing about Japanese bikes is good-natured. The important things is we’re all on two wheels. I just cannot see spending the money for a Harley and then needing a second bike for track days, which I wouldn’t be able to afford if I bought a Harley.
Oh yeah. Don’t forget the comment about broken Harleys above.