I don't understand all these "harley" like names. If you wanted a harley you should've bought a harley. Personally I think the road star (and many metric bikes for that matter) are technologically superior motorcycles. I have owned many Harleys and don't get me wrong they are a real decent bike. To me there big attraction is the fact that there are WAY more aftermarket parts to make them your own. Up until about a month ago I would have told you the most comfortable touring bike was a Harley (take your pic - Road King, Ultra, Electra, Street Glide etc) but after riding the Stratoliner I have a new opinion. I think more people should be open minded to all brands. If all of a sudden Suzuki came out with a superior machine we should acknowledge that. Just b/c it says Harley don't mean My X bought me a brand new Fatboy in 2003 as a surprise. I got the bike home and was going over it and found that BOTH rocker box covers had peeling chrome - BOTH! I immediately called the shop and got the biggest run around you have ever seen. Basically "We got your money so go pound sand!" They ended up replacing them, only because I went down there and acted like an animal. They also told me that it would not be covered if it happened again b/c we live in Florida so close to the ocean...COME ON! Even after that I can appreciate a Harley and would still ride one, but if you take brand name aside the Road Star does everything a Softail does and somethings it does better. When you combine that with the fact that they are less expensive how can you pay more for a lesser product. America has gotten so caught up in "If it costs alot it must be better" mentality. So to sum up...when they ask what kind of bike is that...put your chest out and say "A YAMAHA ROAD STAR!!!"