Stew,
Have to admit...you're probably right.
As I've said many times around here....Seems the subject of "history" isn't taught very well in these here United States, huh?!

Yep! I'd like to have a nickel for every neophyte wannabe "biker" I've ever heard mouth the following...."I'm gonna gets me a REAL motorcycle...a HARLEY! What's this here Triumph thing you keep takin' about, anyway?"
Well "son", it's called HOMEWORK...especially HISTORY homework. Check it out. It just might save you thousands of dollars, AND get cha a better motorcycle in the bargain! AND, if it's ATTENTION you're seekin', ain't nothin' like pullin' into some location and watchin' all the "cognoscenti" FLOCK to your bike!
Cheers,
Dwight
("cognoscenti"?...well son, you'll have to look THAT word up in ENGLISH Class....THIS here's the HISTORY class, boy!)