I have been following and riding bikes since 1984.
I have never owned a bike made by HD.
Motorcycles represent something different to each person who owns one regardless of brands or country of origin.
Due to price points, location, demographics and income we make choices on what we choose to ride.
I know HD builds a great machine but right now I am more interested in a different aspect of motorcycling as most can respect that if they also own a bike. I have only owned bikes made in Japan but know someday that may change.
Harley's do not sit at the forefront of technology, are not terribly fast and do not handle all the great compared to other bikes on the market.
Then again, they never set out to build bikes that performed in that manner choosing to focus more on comfort and style first.
In the last 5 years they have pulled up their socks considerably(V-Rod) and I'm sure those who ride HD enjoy them greatly and I'm hoping to take in that experience one day as well.