Twolanerider,
I bet that is a hard question for many folks to explain or defend. Why would someone buy a "Not perfect" bike at such a high price?
I would have to guess many reasons;
1.The very long wait ,anitcipation and excitement builds.
2.Knowledge that it's limited availability, if they don't buy it the next person on the list will.
3. Faith in H-D, whether it's the dealer or MOCO, that it will work out.(Correct belief or not)
4. Blame it on the weather, pick-up made in the cold ,wet, or darkness of winter and it's not seen at delivery.
There may be other factors as well that someone with direct knowledge will be able to pass on to us.
I think after waiting 5,6 or more months it would take a couragious person to pass on their "Dream Bike" for a paint issue knowing that their dealer will sell it to the next person and you may not get a bike.
I had to do that somewhat when I got the call of my local dealer getting in one of the first 2006 FHLTCUSEs in the area and I could buy it if I wanted. It was a watermelon color one though and I turned it down to wait for the possible arrival of an Autum Haze. I could not leave a deposit and had no idea when or if my dealer was going to get one in.
After about 6 months it came in but I bet i drove my dealership crazy with my calls and visits weekly.
Look at the peeling chrome and other issues for 2005 and earlier bikes yet people still buy them , they seem to be holding their value and many happy times can be had on them by many people.
I do feel since this is the most expensive bike they make and it's supposed to be the top of the line it should have the most testing and quality control of any bike they make. That paint defect should have been caught during assembly and never left York. As well as the CB transmitting problem,wasn't it tested at York also?