Kev, I can say that my America is as reliable as my old VF700 Sabre (also bulletproof). Mine turned 2 years old yesterday, and I have 17,800 miles on it. I have had no problems to speak of except for the following VERY minor issues:
1. Indicator lenses for Neutral and Turnsignals have come out 3 times, all replaced under warranty. Waiting on my last one to come in this week, and then I will apply superglue to all lenses and should never have another problem. All have come out at high (80+ mph blasts down the freeway).
2. Bike would not start twice. Once right after a hard ride, the battery was "Dead". Turns out it was corrosion buildup between the battery cables and posts. As soon as I cleaned them, and put a dab of dielectric grease on them, never again another problem like that. Second time, was right after washing it, I washed it in areas I never normally have, with a solid stream nozzle instead of the 'gentle shower' mode I ususally use, and it would crank but not fire up. It sat for 1 1/2 days, and dried out, ran just like nothing was wrong. I now know better.
To me, those are extremely minor issues, none of which makes me feel my bike is unreliable. I think you will find this bike just as reliable as a Honda. And, as others have noted, it feels like it has a soul, my old Sabre didn't. It was a fun bike to ride, but I was not 'in love' with it, like I am this bike!! Maybe love is blind, but in this case, it hasn't been a let down, I haven't found that blind love to have misled me!! BUY ONE, you won't be disappointed.
