Ron,
I think you pretty much nailed it. There are two very significant and legendary bike companies that have had continous production fo rover 100 years. Both brands have been featured in movies, both have been ridden by bikers. Both have a very strong and deep history. Anytime you have anything like that, you will create a "respectable" rivalry between two brands. For example look at Chevy and Ford, Coke and Pepsi. Those comparisons may not really be the same since there are a lot of genuine brand haters out there when it is not about motorcycles.
I have noticed that the respect between the Triumph and HD really only goes between the owners of either brand and seems to be mainly from those that respect the herritage of each.
Soren
