They aren't buying a motorcycle, they're buying an image.
Being a biker isn't what you ride, it's something you have inside.
I have more in common with the kid on a crotch-rocket that has his gear strapped on his bike than I ever will with the RV drivers posing in front of their low mileage dresser they rolled off the trailer as they wear shiny new leathers and a "Sons of Anarchy" tee-shirt.
Have owned three HDs. Gave the last to my son-in-law. I'd rather ride than wrench.