Just bought a new bike recently. Looked at the HD Iron 883 and the Yamaha Bolt. Was having a lot of trouble making up my mind as they are very similar bikes. Then I rode the Triumph T-100 and it blew the other two away.
This was the first time I ever seriously considered a HD. Every time I walk into the show room, I get second class treatment because I don’t look like a typical HD customer. It is a real turn off. Also, too many HDs out there seem to be cars masquerading as bikes.
Own a Triumph Sprint myself. It was my daily commuter for years.
The only reason to ride a Harley is to be uncomfortable so far as I am concerned. I rode one on an 800 mile trip and was exhausted. Rode a GW on another similar trip and was very comfortable.
I don’t need image. I need comfort and reliability. You can hardly get one of the dang things past a gas station either.