Well, they are a hell of a lot better than they used to be. According to Barger the old hardtails used to shake themselves to pieces every so often, and every time he got on, it was after a quick 10-minute nut & bolt tightening session. They’re a lot smoother now – better engine mounts and proper rear suspension. They’re still not much cop for cornering, and if you have the opportunity to get on either a supermoto & do a sliding, foot-out, banked right over turn, or a sports bike (even a CB500 will let you do this) and you get your knee slider down as you take a bend on a track, you’ll see the value in cornering ability.

The popularity is largely because of a combination of patriotism (it’s the only US bike brand to survive intact for over 100 years, although Indian is making a comeback and there’s a relatively new player, Victory, who make viciously torquey Harley-lookalikes that will rip shoulders from sockets) and the brand myth they’ve built up aided by the Hell’s Angels and the many films featuring them in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. They’re kind of like Budweiser in that respect – they’re ingrained in American culture. No-one will ever laugh at you for riding a Harley, but there’s a lot you can do with bikes that only the suicidal would attempt on a Harley waves to Evel Knievel :-)

I just went over to the Harley Davidson UK website (as I’m in the UK), to see if there was a Harley I would ride. There is!! It’s the new black powder-coated version of the V-rod, which has its footpegs positioned where bikes ought to have them, i.e. mid, not forward. It’s beautiful. It’s just under 1200cc, and goes like a rocket. I’d love one. Trouble is, it’s £20,000 on the road. Its nearest competitor is BMW, who make the R1200GS. That’s just under 1200CC, same level of performance and comfort, a fair bit lighter, and £8,715.00 on the road. No contest I’m afraid. The cheaper Harleys just don’t appeal at all.

I tried! Honestly – I tried to like them, but I just can’t… :-(