...also part of the increase is the choice of bike. H-D bikes really have not changed much in the last 20 years, whereas the sport bike makers have ALL increased the level of USEFUL technology in their bikes every year.
The sport bikes most buy today will out accellerate, outbrake, out-turn, out perform factory racing machine of 10 years ago.
All of that when used properly will help keep you alive on the street. Remeber with motorbikes it is 90% AVOIDANCE of a collision, 10% survivability after the fact!
Not only that, but a high end sportbike like a GSXR1000 will out perform an early 80s MotoGP bike. For those who don't know, MotoGP is the Formula 1 of motorcycle racing. Are there any street cars out there that could even come remotely close to the performance and handling of a 20 year old Formula 1 car?
Sorry my friend, but statistically you're much more likely to die on the squidcycle dejour as on any cruiser from any manufacturer. Read the HURT report. You're least likely to be involved in an accident if you're riding a behemoth (read visible) bike like an Electra Glide Ultra or a Goldwing.
Not true.
There have been three dramatically different engine designs from HD in the last 20 years; the Shovelhead, the Evolution and now the Twin Cam (four if you count the water-cooled V-Rod).
Braking systems have likewise gone through several periods of technological refinement. Braking performance of Harley-Davidsons compare favorably to the best Japan and the others have to offer. Two and four piston calipers are now the norm on the new models. HD has avoided (for good reason) chasing the two-finger power brake feel typical of the Japanese rocket. Front brakes that can lock the wheel with a two finger squeeze are invitations to disaster in a panic situation.
The multi-port EFI found on the latest crop of Twin Cam equipped Harleys make starting rituals a dim and distant memory. Hit the start button and ride . . .
My Ultra Classic is lighter, handles better, is more comfortable, has a better stereo, carries more, and gets better mileage than a comparable Gold Wing despite the number of times that behemoth has been reinvented over the years. The controls are more thoughtfully designed and much easier to use (apparently the Japanese haven't heard of gloves). The Ultra is a rolling work of art compared to the plastic ensconced two-wheeled Acura, yet concedes nothing in terms of creature comforts. Though a fully loaded Ultra Classic will set you back approximately $1500 - $2000 more than a similarly equipped Gold Wing, you get that and more back in resale value in the very first year.
Harley Davidson factory and dealer support is unrivaled in the industry, regardless of comparable brand. Warranty support is equal to or better than any other brand available in the U.S.
When your old friend becomes 20+ years old (like my venerable FXRS) you can still get parts and service on anything. Try doing that with your twenty-something Suzuki or Kawasaki (or Triumph or Indian or Beemer).
Don't be fooled by the magazine testers who judge technological innovation for innovation's sake as the Holy Grail of motorcycledom. The streets any highways of America are not parsed off in quarter-mile segments; the rockets are no fun to ride unless you're wringing them out to 7/10ths - 8/10ths of your ability or more. Tooling down the road at the speed limit quickly becomes excruciatingly uncomfortable and mind-numbingly boring on the rockets when your adrenaline pump isn't in overdrive. The scenery isn't enjoyable unless its a blur.
High tech high RPM valve trains become a total pain in the a$$ when the adjustment interval comes due. Got a passenger? Forfeit the rocket, unless you're passenger is a card-carrying sadist. Metric cruisers leave you wanting more after a few thousand miles; something real & enjoyable, not plastic.