But not a $30,000 bike

I’m sure Harley knows the answers when it comes to brand and brand perceptions...

It’s the "F Word" episode, in case someone's looking to watch it.

It’s not 200 miles, it's barely 100 in an urban environment (110). On the highway you're probably looking closer to 80 miles on a charge, with performance dropping off significantly after 60 miles.  The "200" was kilometers...

You are right, except most HD owners are NOT assholes beyond the obnoxious exhaust modifications... i really have yet to actually meet a Harley rider who was an ahole. The real douchebags are actually that IMAGE that Harley has spent so much time trying to portray in it’s marketing.

In the long distance touring market, Harley is completely outclassed by the Honda Gold Wing and several BMW models. (K1600 models, the RT and even the GS adventure bikes).  

The only R&D that Harley has done for most of it's existence is determining what the best way was to market their same old bikes and developing an image that doesn't appeal to many people these days.

The vrod was an overweight POS with poor handling and ergonomics. Harley thought they had to make it look like a Harley, put a huge rear tire on it that kills handling and makes it turn into corners like a pig.

If they do, at least the rest of us won't have to hear it!  Of course, it will be a complete flop trying to sell to the "look at me" crowd that needs the noise to be noticed.

The transmission, unless it’s doing work, isn’t going to get to to operating temperatures quickly. Don’t abuse the power train upon startup, take things easy, and your engine and transmission will warm up quickly, more fuel efficiently, with less gasline getting past rings and into the crank case and all without harm.…

In NC, where helmets are mandatory, and no license (driving) is needed to ride a 50cc scooter, the scooter riders as generally dressed in better helmets, higher (protective) quality, higher visibility gear than the average cruiser rider.

But, they aren’t upper entry level bikes, they are bare bones entry bikes, all be it far too heavy, at upper entry level prices.

I’ve also been on a few Charity rides starting from Harley dealerships. I was usually 1 of the 2 people on a sport bike (ZX6-636) but was never made unwelcome.

Simple solution... Civil penalty of $500,000 if insurance company or any of it’s agents catch you riding without at any time, for any reason if you have the helmet policy. If you are unable to pay the full half million dollar penalty immediately upon conviction your organs are sold to an “organ bank” for…

I’m not sure comparing a vintage bike to why someone would buy a NEW bike that isn’t much different from the vintage is much use.