I have and still am a harley owner but one of a different type and kind. When I see things for exactly what they are and are not. After getting many of these letters with many different issues pertaining to the american V-twin and longest reigning of all. Not to mention of all that once were. I feel there comes a time and place to call it quits for either owning the machine. Or crying about all the so-called problems when is enough just that. We all must take some sort of responsibility for our choice in anything we do buy. Well in knowing this! That before I buy anything I look at the overall track record of the product. And in this particular case. And with many many more years riding all types of cycles. From the age of 15 to now at 52 years of age. I am what anyone can call a professional in terms of a few cycle-related issues. And when it comes to harleys and the like for american V-twin engines. I know my stuff far beyond any average person and in fact can talk intelligently with literally anyone on this exact subject. And I am here to tell you this. The harley motor company has had issues for literally decades! Before asking for help and from who? But Japan and its four major cycle companies. For which only one came forward. HONDA, if that isn't to cool I wouldn't know what the hell is. Then producing the evolution engine that put harley on the map and in fact on wall street! And more over became the best engine of all made to date when one will look at all the aspects that engine did and brought to american cycling, period. In another all the engines that followed all have something in common with not only the evo but the early V-twins. One in fact being the vibration factor!! However one can't get away from this and keep the look and more importantly its awesome SOUND! Even as it has changed for sound somewhat. This being a direct cause of head design and exhaust changes as well port shape etc. The other thing I would like to add is this. Harley has growing pains due to many and often changes. Made from year to year and models as well in help from other companies. When in fact some come from far away places with a high end product like porsche. A company who once again is known for performance and a $UM attached for anyone wanting to in fact own one. Would be the case in the V-rod. A cycle that with a added turbo will produce 180 hp and be reliable running that hp. The bottom line on all of this as I do only see it. And one who HASNT HAD THE BEST of luck owning harleys!! ITS a choice like it or not. And for another we must look at the numbers of bikes all on the road as per the few of us who had a lot of problems. Problems in fact often stem from many who are not skilled enough to be called a mechanic! When today's bikes take skill and years of know how to work on period. Last but not least is this! YOU can buy the most dependable of anything out there! And still find an amount with certain real problems. Randy Garrity