[Daks]

I tell people I didn't get a bike to posture. I got a bike because it's a cheap vehicle that gets 60+ miles to the gallon.
Within a year it paid for itself, maintenance and insurance included by simply having 4x the gas mileage of my old car.

As for my patriotism? I grew up in the 90s. If American vehicle brands hadn't spent a decade plus shooting themselves in the foot, I'd trust them. I can't afford to keep an American car or bike running now.

Japanese vehicles? As close to putting gas in it and going as you get. I have yet to replace anything other than tires and oil on my bike (not counting the handlebar, but that didn't exactly bend itself...). For 3 newbie owners, 3+ drops and crashes, 23k miles and all for $1700 bucks I'd say it was a better deal than dropping several grand on a hardley or supersport I have to baby.