I know this will probably cause a fire storm but here i go anyway. Before i got my Ultra I had a Yamaha Royal Star Venture. Keep in mind this is not a Harley but that being said it is still an excellant choice. Big Bang for the buck. If I were strapped for cash I would seriously contemplate another RSV without a doubt. This bike is a caborated detuned VMax four cyclinder engine that goes like a rapped ape and is an excellant touring motorcycle. It is very much like the Ultra Classic and actually cost new under $17K. About a $10K from a new Ultra Classic.
I know all of you Harley guys are gonna bust my chops but not everyone can afford a new Ultra Classic or even a used one, so give a guy a break. I had to scrimp and save a long time and beg my wife big time before I got my Ultra Classic. There is an old saying that "As long as you are having fun there is no bad motorcycles.."