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.
Yep, goldwings will bore you to death with their magic flying carpet ride! Just hope you guys remember when your moving vs. standing still. :-)
without being being battered by the H-D's vibration and noise
Bad advice unless you know how he intends to ride. I greatly admire Wings, expecially the engine, but the Wing like all bikes that are really good at one thing, has some serious drawbacks if you're not riding in that niche, which in the Wing's case would be long distance riding.