0
Didn't bother reading the whole thread, so sorry if I'm just repeating what someone else has said, but a lot of "...I can't picture spending $15-17k" and "...too much maintenance"
Last I checked, Ducati's aren't cheap and have a very regular and expensive maintenance schedule. Sport tourers aren't really that cheap either. You guys obviously don't surf CL as much as me or you'd notice how much Harley's value have gone down. Maybe not on the show room floor, but used...there are some good deals out there.
As far as them falling apart, I believe those are more the older models. Worst that's happened to mine is loosing header bolts, so yeah, you have to loc-tite everything, but so does my track bike. Labor is a rip, so I do my own work on the Harley, too.
To be honest with you, I'm definitely a sport bike guy on a harley. I have my DOT approved, full face helmet, sport bike jacket and gloves and I wave at everyone (except scooters). I picked up my Harley because it was uncomfortable to ride long distances on my CBR and didn't enjoy having the girlfriend on the back. She appreciates the seat of my Harley a little more than the tampon that is supposed to be a rear seat on a sport bike, as well.
I could have bought an FJR or a Boulavard, but I think Harley's are cooler, sue me. I definitely test rode a bunch before choosing the FXDF I have and picked it because it had a lot of what I wanted and enjoy riding it. It's powerful (1554cc), comfortable (can put on 400 miles a day and have ridden it to Texas and Florida and back), handles good (nice, wide front end and tire and forward controls) and looks cool (flat black paint, exhaust, everything is black)...so stop your hating.