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Published on 11 December 2019

I never thought I would buy a Harley, but when I got older I thought I might try a cruiser. I REALLY wanted an Indian, but I take a long time to make a decision on spending 30 grand (Chief). In the few years I looked at them, they kept changing, too much for me. Every time I looked at a dealer; different options/range/colours/philosophy. The base Chief then became ignored somewhat (they offered zillions of colours on the Scout/seemed obsessed with that); but to get any decent colour range on the Chief range, had to go to the "Vintage" - ANOTHER 5 grand. And then the Indian TV ads. "Influencers" that we here in Oz have never heard of telling us about "form/function/feel/art" - and not even a bike in the ad? Why would I buy bikes based on what a non bike type person "tells me I should do?" It all just seemed very bizarre to me. So GREAT bikes - but too many "stuff arounds/weird" things for me. For those who love them - great. They are beautiful - but when I buy something - I have to "feel good about it/understand their philosophy". Each to their own. Then a mate of mine bought a 2015 Softail Deluxe. He is very demanding, and like me, has had Brit bikes etc for 40 years. So I looked at other cruisers. If I got a Japanese one - many of those didn't offer what I wanted. And if I get "sick of it" (I don't ride often); resale probably drop a lot. So I looked at 3 to 5 year old softail deluxes. Many were almost as expensive as the Indian new, as owners spent zillions. Then I saw a demo for sale at a dealer. So - I ended up with a year old bike, ten grand cheaper than the Indian - in a colour I couldn't get the Indian in - with stage 1 pack fitted, and with fly by wire and cruise control. I spent about $1500 getting it how I wanted it. If I have it for a few years and don't like it = based on resale, I will get most of my money back. It does me. Compared to the three Brit bikes I also have, you have to be prepared for very slow slow corners ( :-) ) - but that is part of cruising I guess. Out on the windy WA country roads, I can still throw it around enough to be fun. I don't really like the new range. IF I were Harley; I would have 2 "radical" styled models for "new customer demographic/market segment" and have 5 that look "traditional" but built on "subtle upgrades." Apart from the Fatboy and Softail Deluxe; I think the new "Darth Vader" headlight look ridiculous. But each to their own. If I was ten years younger; I would start a company making headlights that "make your latest Harley look Normal". :-) But anyway; each to their own. I am always being told "Who cares what you think - YOU are not the target demographic." Well; for Harleys/Indians - guess what? I AM the target demographic. And I know dozens of people who bought Harleys pre the new model - and they are all saying "Glad I bought mine when I did - don't like new styling." But (again) what would a handful of people who actually bought some of the bikes know?????? As per usual, enjoyed the article.