Geez Mike, I didn't want you to take my criticism of Star as an affront to your choice. You just gave me an opening to bash on the Star marketing and lifestyle that I couldn't resist. I'm sure the Star motorcycles are fine bikes mechanically, but I just can't get past their Harley/HOG way of trying to sell them.
FWIW, I think I'm fairly open-minded about bikes compared to most people I run into. Sure I poke a little fun at Harleys, but I would never rule them out as a bike I'd never own. Same goes for for just about any other motorcycle manufacturer. I even ride with a bunch of VTXs who have their own little model specific riding club, but let anybody in no matter what brand they ride. We have eveything from Gold Wings to Harleys riding in our group. Heck, I'm even seriously thinking about a V-Strom for a 2nd bike, and a bike doesn't get much uglier than that to most people.
But you won't see me riding a Star motorcycle. To me their whole ad campaign is a Harley clone. You ever been around a STAR club gathering? I have. It's all I can do to keep from laughing at those HOG Chapter posers. Both groups are just a bunch pseudo 1%er snobs. I get more of a welcome from real patch holders than those elitists.
