Yes, MO you somewhat kick ass (wonder if that will get censored?). Just a couple of observations.
1) Show had same problem as Intermot, nothing really new, just improved and BNG stuff.
2) the Rune really does look like the HD and BMW styling folks got together, dropped acid and did a little design work for Honda! As a Harley (and BMW) guy, I have to admit I liked the old Valk! Was hoping for more of the same with the new motor. However, what they came up with is, IMHO, one butt fugly bike!
3) The R1200CL (not RT, bad MO. The Beemer faithful would love a new RT, but with more than 60 hp). Is further proof that someone in Munich is dropping acid and designing bikes. This one does look like a old R100RT tripping. Have read some good reviews in the club magazines, by folks who loathe the bike, but still enjoyed it. Very curious. I think even Hellman at OTL might not even slam it too hard! Robert, you ever read this stuff?
4) the "New" Indians at least have their own motor (ok, kinda) but they will not be "Real" until they lose that Harley primary (that looks like it would fit on my E-Glide) and belt/chain primary and go to gears, like a proper Indian should have. That and being made in Springfield Mass would come along way to becoming 'Real'! And a model engined by a 4 cylinder, in the proper Indian configuration (like my K1200LT)!
5) The Drifter is still a better looking Indian to me!
6) Italian bikes, look great, less filling, do nothing for me personally, but can see where they really could 'getcha' if the mood was right Except for the Futura, after getting over the pain of the reach, would really be able to get used to that one!
7) Japanese sport bikes, yawn, so they are fast. So is a crack *****. The Island Nation of Motorcycles really needs to do something different. Their bikes may be fast and handle great, but are getting long in the tooth and BORING! Even the new stuff is just really rehashing of their old designs. They are starting to get like Harley used to be. "Gotta keep that formula that brings in the customers at all costs." Put some saddle bags and taller bars and lower pegs on the ZX12R, call it a sport touring bike (or Concours) and then I might get interested.
8) Cruisers of the non-American ilk with that "American Inspired" styling are still nothing more than a bunch of Notaharleys to me. And now they cost damn near as much. Didn't understand them when they started, really don't now! Matter of fact, don't care to! Have ridden damn near all of them, still like the real thing better and ordered one. Which leads to....
9) Only have 2 weeks to go before my new baby gets here (yep, actually ordered a bike from a factory, very strange experience. Never did that before. The waiting in driving me nuts, will probably never do it again! But what a Christmas present for myself!). Then I can ignore bike shows for a year or two...or until the new wears off...