I gotta have a go here. Truth is, there are maybe three classic style as far as cruisers, Harley, Triumph, and BMW/Moto Guzzi. Each style is good looking in their own way, although Harley and Triumph are definetly a lot better looking as far as curves and proportions. But the rides are very different, especially for Sportsters v.s. America's/Speedmasters. I have, and have had, old bikes with all of their old style ways. A sportster still vibrates just as much as an old sportster, even with all of the new rubber damping. The new Triumps vibrate a lot less than the old, and the engines are much smoother than they were. While I still like to look at the new Sportsters, and occasionally ride my Uncles 1200, I am much more impressed with the ride of my new America. Finally, if you are going for looks, Harley and Trumpets are practically a dead tie. If you are going for handling and smoothness, Triumph wins hands down. Attention? Triumph has an edge here, simply because there are so many Harleys and their lookalike copiers. Nothing on the road today looks like a Triumph. If your into accessories, Harley leads the way by a mile. Will your Harley friends make jokes about your ride? Yes, and then in private they'll tell you they really admire its looks and reliability. MOST important category!!! If you are into the occasional ride, (a couple of times a month, a few miles or so) then the Harley might be for you. If you want to ride a lot,( three or more times a week, and some long distance) Triumph is gonna make you happy! One final note: as you may have noticed on this site, Triumph riders are as a rule, happy go lucky and pretty darn tolerant of other rides and riders. While we like to pick on Harleys, we do it in good fun and without malice. You are going to find a different kind of person with Harley riders, who will often sneer at other bikes, and the dealerships are the coldest in the country. Just my own generalizations, and definitely not always true.
