Craig, I have to agree with you. Although most people should NOT work on their own bikes a lot of us are quite capable and knowledgeable, have the tools and the common sense to do a job or know when to take it to a professional. I too do most of my own work on my motorcycles. I too hear all of the ridiculous stories that must come from some imagined place. I can't fathom spending $5000.00 on repairing any of my motorcycles. This thread started out talking about Harley Davidson. I've had my current HD Roadglide less than 5 years. I just rolled over 63000 miles. I've had no trouble with it. It's on the third front tire, fourth rear tire, gets 40 mpg, it'll easily do over the ton and is no slouch in the twisties. You'd never hear that from someone who didn't ride it. You'll hear all the crap that you've been hearing since the 1970's . I've got two Ducati's that didn't cost ridiculous outrageous money to buy and don't cost ridiculous outrageous money to maintain. One is air cooled, two valve, simple, light and fun. The other is liquid cooled, four valve, light, fun and like a cocked cannon. The part that I don't complain about, but nobody would want to hear is this; I spend more time and effort and possibly money trying to keep my NORTON running like a dependable decent motorcycle, than all the others that are constantly put down as pieces of overpriced garbage. I love my Norton and all my bikes. You'll never hear me say any motorcycle brand is junk. They're all different. I'll not go touring on my Rokon or try motocross on my 305 Dream, but they're good bikes. Good luck Harley.
Charlie
