Check out Buell...It's an HD Sporty on a rice diet...
Interesting survey. I like Harleys and crotch-rockets and I can't decide which one to buy.
Buy what you can afford and what feels comfortable. Forget the hype!
I know of a few older Harley owners that went to a Goldwing. More comfortable and reliable.
I adore the CBR -- fantabulous bike. Or the new BMW sport bike --> it's more in the Hayabusa range (find the Suzuki machine too bulky for my preference). All in All, I'd prefer the CBR any day, even over a Hornet or a Moto Guzzi
Melas wrote, "Interesting survey. I like Harleys and crotch-rockets and I can't decide which one to buy."
Buy one of the newer Gold Wings (2001-present). You'll never regret it. It has the power of a crotch rocket (1,832 cc). You'll be able to ride all day without being being battered by the H-D's vibration and noise. You'll have modern technology (liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, quiet six cylinder engine), instead of the antiquated air-cooled, noisy V-twin.
They're all good. Most of it depends on how you ride. No bike is good at everything. Goldwings and Electra Glides suck big time in stop and go traffic in the Texas' Summer. Sportsters are horrid for long trips with a passenger. Crotch rockets suck for long trips period. Low Riders are the slowest bikes in the twisties next to Schwinn's. Etc, etc. Some bikes are better jacks of all trades than others, but not everone needs a jack of all trades bikes.
A good example is a fellow freeper here who goes by Blackie. He traded in a Sportster for a Suzuki SV650, and from his posts he couldn't be happier. Now I have a friend who traded in a SV650 for a Sportster and he couldn't be happier. The difference is no doubt riding style.
From his posts here, I get the feeling that recreational rides through the twisties, with sport bike riders are Blackie's thing, and the light, nimble, responsive 650 is perfect for that type of riding. The Sportser is decidedly less suited for that ride than the Suzuki. No one likes to do that kind of ride knowing you'll be bringing up the rear, way rear. Being last is bad, but so far behind you can't see the other bikes is no fun.
On the other hand, the much torquier, heavier, Sportster fits my friends bill much better. My buddy was looking for an economical commuter bike that he can ride every day, and that could double as a 1up tourer. The 650 just can't compete with a Sportser for that kind of riding. The 650, while it has plenty of HP, is less torquey so the rider shifts more which isn't good on a 700 mile day. The 650 just can't compete with a Sportster with racks and bags for the cargo capacity my buddy needed.
On the other hand, if 2up riding is your thing, with any distance at all, you'd be a fool to buy either bike. For that kind of riding, you couldn't do much worse than either the sportster or the Suzuki. For that kind of riding you'd want a full boat tourer like the Electra Glide or Goldwing which are great touring bikes. You just don't want to get caught in a traffic jam, creeping along at 15mph for an hour on one. The complete lack of airflow at those low speeds is a recipe for heat stroke on one. They're not a good commuter bikes at all.
Include the BMW's in your test rides and enjoy the process!
I think it depends on what type of riding and the type of bike. Not all Harleys are good for long distances or around town. Same with sport bikes and racers. I am not much on them, but I think BMW makes a nice cruiser. I hear they are the smoothest. Some Harleys are smooth and several are not. Also, what's the insurance costs? Yamaha and Suzuki know have Harley clones which arent too bad. But they aren't Harleys, only half the price. If you come to Daytona, I know you can rent a Harley from Robinsons and also all week long they have free test rides from all the manufacturers at the Speedway. Next one is in October at Biketoberfest (at least I think they do free rides there. I know for a fact they do during Bike Weeks in March).
Check out Buell...It's an HD Sporty on a rice diet...
Get a Harley. There is no other type. You want a fast one that looks like one of the ricers? Get the newer model VRod (although I've got some questions about that one personally)
Go with the harley. Sure the "crotch rocket" is faster and quicker, but the harley is a lot more stable of a ride. I had a cousin killed on a "crotch rocket" about ten years ago.
GEE...If you really "can't decide...", save your money and buy a crotch rocket because you're really made your decision when you acknowledged that you "can't decide!"