I started the same way,I thought that it was the UGLYIEST bike I have ever seen,but.....I went to CA and rode next to my Brother-in-law for about 10 days(He has an 05 Balck Cherry RG) and when I got back to TX the 1st thing I did was trade my 1yr old VXT for the 105th RG. I too can't explain it,but I won't ever ride anything else. Even the dealer told me it was Harley's best kept secret,and if I test rode it and liked it,I would never want anything else. She was right. Go Fugly.