I think more people buy the decal and buy the Harley, but don't ride it.

My thoughts exactly. It's a toy for the majority, is my belief. Just go take a look in threads of 'pics of my/your bike' types and all you'll see (for the most part) is bikes that see only perfect weather. Hell, there's way too many that buy nice *old* bikes (think Evo and older) that are already in good condition because the owner only put 3000 miles on it in 30 years, or whatever. It's friggin' sad, actually. I pity those kind of people.

I bought my 1992 FLHTCU with 800 miles on the clock ... It was three years old

I worked with a guy that bought an 2003 anniversary and had Paramount HD deliver it to his house in the shipping crate, He was going to keep it that way for 20 years and sell it for 5 X what he paid :icon_laugh:.
When I moved down here to Florida in 2015 it was still in the back of his garage in the shipping crate , well the pallet and that wrap they use to ship.
I can't fathom spending close to 30K and letting something sit for 12 plus years.:icon_doh:

Yeah but it’s a rare collectible.

Yeah, I like the garage queen people. I bought my three year old '07 with 1,750 miles on it, and my four year old '12 with 4,000 miles on it.

Does this work the other way too ? I have a Mazda Miata sticker on my Vespa…does that mean someone is gonna follow me home and mug me and take my Miata ? Or is the Vespa more valuable to street hoodlums ? I have a get back whip on it so I think I’m safe (plus a rape whistle).

I don't have decals on my vehicles, but I used to have a shirt that said "I own a Harley, not just a t-shirt!". 😄

I hate thieves and would never!. That being said, If I wanted to steal a Harley I sure would not just start following someone just because they had a sticker on their vehicle. First, do they even own one. Second, are they coming from home or to home. Who knows how long before you reach their house. Third, even if they do own one and were on their way home it might be a piece of shit you would not even want. Fourth, If I am looking to steal one I am going to see the one I like and go after that one.
As far as a sticker or t-shirts or anything like that is advertisement for sure, but you are advertising without them every time you ride. In all the years I have ridden I have only bought one sign and do have a window sticker. All the T-shirts and other items I own are gifts for Fathers Day, Birthdays, Christmas. Family knows I love to ride and I am easy to buy for. I do love my Harley and don't mind advertising. This is all just my opinion and views of course, just as everyone has their tastes for how they style their rides.

I have a Harley license plate frame.. Does that count? lol.. Im the kinda person who thinks that if you dont own it.. Dont act like you do.. Meaning no bike. No sticker.. I even have went as far as not wearing my many HD t-shirts because I was in the middle of not owning a bike.. Technically my GF doesnt own a bike.. But that doesnt stop her from wearing my old tshirts.... But she likes to ride, so I giver her a pass!