I've never owned one, but they can't be ignored, which is why I joined this forum. As a naked bike fan, er, I mean a fan of naked bikes (formerly called standard bikes), here's my ideal HD: V-Rod engine, mid controls, ABS with linked brakes, belt drive, windscreen (no fairing), hard cases, good gauges, heated grips and seat, 200 mile range, reasonably light weight. Good for city, touring, and twisties. Does it exist?

 

It can exist. That's a cool thing about a HD. If you can dream it, you can build it.

 

If you've never owned one, how can you have an "Ideal" HD?

 

Ownership is not a prerequisite to dreaming. I used to dream of ideal cars and bikes long before I was old enough to drive.

I'm waiting for Harley to package the V-Rod mill in either a sport tourer or bagger model.

 

www.harley-davidson.com/customizer
You'll have to play with accessories to get what you want. You'll also need/want to look at non-Harley parts.

 

I admit, that was a pretty questionable statement looking back at it. But without ever riding one, what would you know to like or dislike?

 

A harley is what it is. If they don't measure up to what your looking for, no ones holding a gun to your head... keep looking, get what ya like and just ride it.

 

The same way I can imagine an ideal life. I've never had one of those, either.

 

LOL, touche!

 

Well, that's what intrigues me about Harleys. They seem to have an endless variety. I was just wondering if the example I described was out there or being contemplated by the company. A sport tourer with a V-Rod motor, as someone mentioned as a possibility, would get my attention.

The bike I described is pretty close to the one I ride, a BMW R1150R. I like BMWs, but mine is not perfect, and I don't want to be blind to other options.