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Well, my engine is more like a Ducati 998 Superbike engine copy retuned for torque. 90-degree V-twin, 996 cc, 10,000 rpm redline. But a similar sort of character, just with less peak torque but quite a bit more HP. And like I say, relative to the redline and the normal operating rpm, 3500 rpm on my bike is comparable to 2000 rpm on a Harley. My normal cruising rpm is about 4000, and when I whack the throttle open at that rpm it just goes, no need for downshifting.

But I'd venture to guess some of the Japanese cruisers engines have similar charts.

Anyway, my point was that I agree with you, flat torque curves are nice. And no, I don't think Harleys are junk either, what they do they do very nicely, just as well if not better than their Japanese imitators, which have crept up in price very close to what Harleys cost. If I was in the market for a cruiser or touring cruisers, other things being equal, I'd likely go for the Harley.

If I was in the market for a cruiser or touring cruisers, other things being equal, I'd likely go for the Harley.

There are alternatives.