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Considering the fact the BA/Speedy models were styled and engineered(that whole 270 degree crank thing, ya see) from the get-go to primarily appeal to the American market, yep, your story is perfectly understandable, Dave.

(...to which I suppose a "REAL" die-hard "Dark Side" fan COULD always just use that old excuse that all that shaking "just adds character", huh!)


Nice post, you definitely got the point. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.
Funny you should mention the shaking adds character bit, that's what I heard from BSA & Triumph owners when I had my 1971 Norton Commando in the 70's and 80's.
I like my Bonneville so much, the Sportster is definitely going up for sale.
EVERYBODY seems to crack on Sportsters including Harley Big Twin riders. Sure it has an engine that was cutting-edge...for 1957. That makes it retro! I haven't put 500 miles on the T100 yet, but the Sportster is far superior in starting up and idling. It is better riding at a steady 70 mph and I prefer it...unless I have to start to manoeuvre it into a turn or away from a pothole. There is an argument to be made the Sportster is the most successful over 500cc bike ever made in terms of longevity and numbers sold. I know some bike mag picked the Honda CB 750 as the Bike of the Century, I just wonder how many they have sold in the last 20 years. Or from 1957-1968.
If I was just touring I'd keep the Sportster, but the T100 handles WAY better. I actually might buy a used or new Speedmaster in a year for touring, having common controls on both of my bikes looks more appealing at my age.

Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other guy dies.