First off, don’t buy into the poser/rider BS. Some HD riders are posers, some Japanese riders are as well. Also don’t believe the old Harleys aren’t reliable. Any of the newer Twin Cam models are pretty much turn the key and ride. As far as which one, can’t answer that. One thing I can add is that if you can buy the HD for $1000 more, it will be way cheaper in the long run. In other words, see how much difference in price between a 10-year old HD FLSTF and a 10 year old VStar. I ride about 8-10000 miles a year on a Street Glide, and have had three HD bikes in recent years. None have been in the shop. The reality is that 8-10000 miles is quite a bit of riding for a guy in the midwest who has a job. The fuel injected Harleys will get 45-50 mpg without making any effort to ride easy, just riding. Have fun on it and don’t believe the obviously biased ones.
I can attest to that...my 2003 FXST is oil tight and has never been to the shop for anything but oil changes...