Originally Posted by baddog

Initially I was going to suggest that for some it might be a midlife crisis kind of thing, but when you mentioned the professions of those you are talking about it came clear.

Around 1986 Harley-Davidson became a very roadworthy motorcycle. You could change the oil, add gas and ride it around the country with virtually no mechanical concerns. You no longer had to get your hands dirty, repairing your bike under an overpass. At the same time, I started noticing brain surgeons, precious metals brokers, stockbrokers buying H-D. H-D had become a status symbol to the Rubbies (Rich Urban Bikers). This caused the price of H-D to escalate like noone's business.

Dealerships would take an $8,500 motorcycle, throw on $100 in additional chrome and a $400 paint job and double the price of the bike.

So, to answer your question, the reason you see all your friends getting into it now is that they can now afford it. Harley has pretty much been priced out of the reach of 18 year olds.