A mates got one of these big Kawasaki cruiser things,looks liks/sounds like/rides like a Harley
  (Loads cheaper and hasn't broken down yet)                                                                                                                                                                             

Sprint I had a Kawasaki VN 1500 cc and it looked like a heritage was shaft drive so no maintence there - I loved it, traded it in for the Strreet Bob.  I do miss it to be honest.                                                                                                                                                                             

Harleys do look the part I must say.On a similar vein a guy I used to work for had a brand new Ducati 916,he bought a Yam R6 to 'potter' on,realised it did all he was able to on a bike-the 916 now lives on a plinth in his pool room!                                                                                                                                                                             

i'm jealous bobkat, mine still isn't running properly! - i put it down to the character of the bike!! i just sometimes wish it was a more 'i'm gonna start and run today' character!  but when it is going properly - fantastic.
 don't mind saying (leaving myself open to ridicule!)  i rode a sportsbike a while back (some zx thing with hoover pipes on the tank! - i think) and it scared the s%$ out of me, i don't need to go that fast!  i'll take my unreliable harley anyday!                                                                                                                                                                             

maybe they vibrate like a washing machine on fast spin thats why the ladies like them ?                                                                                                                                                                              

I think so Wheely!!!   Tractor for me - way too slow - but they are fun for the odd ride out. Each to his/her own ofc.   For me its not the top end - but the acceleration and feeling that front wheel lift as you power on coming out of a bend still lent over - scary as shit but oh so exhilirating!!!!                                                                                                                                                                                 

Well i spent most of last weekend on the back of Joes HD Sportster ( custom ) one of the older ones. I found it uncomfortable and felt every pothole and bump  On the one hand i love the roar of it ( pipes have been changed !)  and i must admit it's a lovely looking bike  but having spent the last few months on the back of his Triumph Sprint ( also one of the older ones ) Well there is no contest  I love the Trumpet ..... the speed, the smoothness ,the comfort, and boy can it handle the twists and holds up well in strong winds  I have had jap bikes  myself for the last few years and i loved my cbf  but as has been said ....each to their own and ride safe everyone whatever your choice of steed  .....HB x