After riding OPs in my teens, I bought my first motorcycle in 1979. It was a '74 Harley FX - the kick-only 1200cc "Superglide" model.
I'll admit, my decision was based partly on Harley's mystique and "outlaw" image. I grew up around those guys. That's what they rode, and I wanted to be like them.
Still, I've never regretted my choice. The moment I threw a leg over that bike, I knew I was on the right machine.
And, in spite of the fact that my Harley was built during the infamous AMF years, I still have it, and it's STILL the right machine for me. I do most of the work myself, and have well over a quarter-million miles on a bone stock engine and tranny. The secret? That I do my own work, do my best to make it right, and don't beat the crap out of my bike trying to impress bystanders and nosepickers. I've ridden my bike all over the country, and wouldn't hesitate to fire it up tomorrow morning and do it again.
Over the years I've owned other Harleys ('76 FXE, '96 FLH) and they both had that same appeal for me. I only let 'em go because I couldn't justify the finances of keeping 'em at the time, but I sure wish I coulda kept 'em, now!
My current stable includes that original '74 FX, an '87 HD FXR, and a '00 BMW R1100R, and they're ALL a blast to ride! I've also ridden sportbikes, and metric cruisers, and enjoyed them, too.
Still, at heart I'm a Harley guy through and through. However, unlike some of the bozos other folks here have encountered (you know the ones I mean), I'm not competing in the "loudest pipes and most chrome" contest. I just want to ride my bikes, and enjoy my life.
And, also unlike some of those aforementioned bozos, I have no bone to pick with anyone else's brand preference. If you're on two (or three) wheels, you're okay by me. If you respect my choices, I'll be more than happy to respect yours. Hell, I'll even pop for a cold drink at the end of the ride!