Thanks for the welcome.
I hear what you are saying about riders wanting their own custom. But, until you can sit down and pick from a list of options, wont everyones be mostly alike? And, I have a real problem with add ons coming from overseas. I am really bitter about what we as a nation have let our country come to. I make less a year than most spend on a new crew cab 4x4 truck these days, but I do my best to buy only american products. I haven't added much to the RK from the dealers geegaws, because most of it comes from the Far East. Nothing confuses me more than seeing a WWII veteran in a Toyota.
Last year, at the rally in Sturgis, Kentucky, I met a rider with a brand new SEUC. Or I think it was. It was strange to me, as it had a leather tourpack. Maybe it was just a SE electraglide. Anyway, I looked very nice to me, but he was a little dissapointed for the money, although, he didn't elaborate on the problem. I must admit, it was very sharp looking.
As far as a water cooled motor goes, does anyone remember the 100ci knuckle motor from the 40's? It was just for racing I think.
I don't care for the v-rod, but I feel it is needed to pull in the younger thinking group. If they could just get the price where it needs to be, it would help.
Buells don't do a thing for me either. I'm too lazy to lean over all day!
I'm just your typical 50 year old guy that resists change.
I don't like the term "old school" either. Mainly, because think that is how it should be, and todays "choppers" should be called "new wave".
Anyway, enough rambling. I'll just keep reading with interest.