Personally, I think there's a perfect parallel between HD
bikes and expensive, glitzy valve amps - some people
prefer 'old technology' done well and with style to modern
technology done bland....

Style? You're kidding, of course.

Harley style has been entirely self-referenced since the 45
and the KR.

The 45:

http://www.dl45homepage.com/rl45contents.html

is not only a style icon but was the best machine over two
decades
for doing this:

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1198...25701430hcqZqg

but would be no good towing a trailer tent these days.

The drop-dead gorgeous KR:

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/classics/bike.asp?id=63

was never a road bike and as a racer was thrashed by Triumph
and then Yamaha parallel twins.

In spite of this total loss of genuine function, the brand
is reported to be hugely valuable.

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06.../source/45.htm

Is that what you call style? The modern Sportster is a
travesty and a laughing stock, IMO.

Now it's the kind of business that depends on stupid money,
which is presently under pressure from stupid mortgages and
a shake-out of stupid fat dull over-paid middle-ranking
executives.

And the American Dream has moved on from Route 66 to cheap
sex
tourism in Central America and the Far East.

Ian