I read in the SMH the other day that owners of Apple products tend to be more accepting of faults with the equipment because they are "sold" on the brand. They don't even consider buying a different brand after a bad experience because owning an Apple is so important. The article said something along the lines of  "almost like Harleys".

So... are we accepting of faults which, on other brands of bikes, would put us off buying another one? I see recent threads about grease in headstems, crappy suspension, rusty spokes, etc. Are these too small to worry about, or are we "sold" on the Harley brand?

I think I'm sold. It would take something really major to make me swap.

What do others think?

Gonzo.

a third class ride is better than a first class walk

Of course we are all sold on the brand.... We all have paid twice as much for half the bike

I think HD owners forgive the faults alot more than japan owners we also spend alot to bring them up to what they should be. but thats all part of owning a harley.

When I decided to get a new bike in 2003 I went the usual way and looked at the Japanese copies. Yes they all look okay, go probably better, smoother gear change, and $10k cheaper but like mentioned above it's just not the REAL thing. They can copy but they don't have the history.

Having said that there are some nice alternative bikes out there now.

When I bought the RoadKing I was also looking at the Rocket 111 Tourer. ........once again $10k dearer but I'm glad I went the RK.

Mind you I would look at other bikes for sure (second bike) if I had the cash, Triumph or Ducati.