I have owned many brands over 45 yrs. The most fun to ride, my KZ650 Kawasaki. The scariest, the 83 Honda Magna 1100, damned thing didn't stop or turn, but gave 55mpg at 80mph and got to 140 real quick.
That said I have only owned one Harley Davidson, and it will be the ONLY one. Its an 01' Dyna, Its been thru several phases, modified to 93hp/98t, then supercharged to 125/125, and for the last 5 yrs, an S&S T124 at 126hp/133t resides in the frame. I have upgraded everything there is to upgrade to get it to the level of handling and power it is now.
The original 88TC was about as bullet proof as any motor made IMO,the new ones are nothing but cheapened junk, JMO. bikes that wobble brand new, cheapened parts from overseas to keep the shareholders rolling in dough. I don't think so.
I'm 62, I don't expect to ever buy another bike, I am satisfied with what I have and still get excited to ride it every day I go out on the road. the Dyna easily get 45 mpg (US) 52.5 (IMP) at 70 mph.
Not one other manufacturer out there makes a bike that appeals to me, I don't want or need a bike that has to have a reverse so it can be backed up. No one my age would consider a Ducati for long range travel. Adventure style bikes you need a ladder to mount (what a joke), The newest BMW wonderbike, already reports of excessive oil comsumption, not for me. Tuneups that cost 10-20% of the original asking price?? Not for me!! Sportbikes that cost $500 for a service because it takes 4 hrs to get at the service parts, afraid not.
My 01 Dyna is as close as HD ever got to the UNIVERSAL MOTORCYCLE, you sit upright, no extra doodads, a windshield and a pair of saddlebags take me anywhere. I'm leaving Aug 1st for another 8000 mile trip, I expect NO trouble, 500 miles a day,thats for me!! JMO FWIW twinotter