I was actually curious about the thread's title. The "Harley vs. Suzuki" title was intriguing because I owned a couple of C50 Boulevards and several Sportsters.
Lots of Harley owners make rude comments about Japanese bikes. I've heard the same snobbish stuff about my Sportsters from "Metric owners", too. Sometimes they're kidding, but many times they're not.
The age of the thread is sometimes not as relevant as it's subject matter. My technical manuals have dated material, too. That's because the subject matter is about older bikes. (I don't need an M8 book to fix my carbureted 1200.) I really don't even need to know author of the post.
The C50 is a nice bike, as is an XL883 Sportster, and were fairly equal in price, but they each had their own character. I too, have opinions on the qualities of each, so it is interesting to hear other's opinions. It is entirely appropriate subject matter on a Harley Forum.
I know some purests get upset, whenever somebody on here commits the mortal sin of speaking highly of any other brand, than HD.
Yeah, we're all Harley owners, but I have the capacity ( both financially and emotionally) to own and appreciate other brands as well.

 

Brand X vs Brand Z internet discussions are generally pretty lame. This one is no exception...IMHO, of course...

 

Thousands of motorcycle magazines over decades have written articles titled, "Brand X vs Brand Y ". Their covers advertised the articles in bold print, to sell them. Nobody bitched about comparison articles - instead, they sell magazines.
I notice that some folks are complaining, saying it's old or they don't like it. But:
They still managed to read it and post opinions on it - even though it's an old thread and the subject of this thread was plainly titled!
Forums can be funny.

 

Folks slow down to look at car wrecks all the time...it's human nature...but the interest is generally fleeting...

 

On the other hand, those of us with experience on different brands, sizes, and types of motorcycles can appreciate comparisons.

Even if the reviews don't reinforce our beliefs.

 

What are we talking about here? Drag racing? Suzuki and HD are the only motorcycle brands in NHRA anymore. I think they're pretty well matched. I've owned 4 Suzukis. Love em. All the Japanese brands are pretty solid.

And then there's......



...... Dead sexy.

 

I started out on a 59 Triumph TR6 in 65. Except for my 19 Royal Enfield Conti GT that I consider thoroughly modern, I've only ever thrown a leg over Harleys, Buells and what's now considered vintage British twins, Triumphs BSAs & Nortons.
I'd like to try out an electric bike but probably wouldn't buy one. Never say never though. Love the one your with I guess.

Your brain tells you everything you want to see and hear. There is no free will and nobody knows why!

 

Bet the Conti is fun. Was looking at a bear, dig the air cooled parallel twins.

I can have fun looping around the yard on a PW80, I just dig bikes any flavor, any manufacturer (under 700 pounds please).

 

It's loads of fun!.. And I think it's an overall pretty great bike. I love the motor and the gearbox especially, but it handles great also. I tend to over relax and zone out a bit while riding and the anti-lock brakes have saved my bacon more than once.
Rumor has it a 750 version of the motor will be powering some models soon. I'd probably get a new Shotgun model if it gets the 750 motor.

 

'Under 700 lbs. please'. I've limited myself to 600lbs. Even at that weight, I once dropped it over the high side on a slope, and was unable to pick it up alone. Really a pisser, some helpful soul came by and helped. (Don't let it get away from ya!)