"first can you explain to me how if bike A (cost 27000 requires service every 5000 @ $350 per service) is cheaper than bike B (cost 8500 requires service every 7500 @ $500 per service). isn't it pretty darn close to the same maintenance wise. i had this arguement today picking up a birthday gift for a friend at the harley dealer."
Yeah, can't speak to that beyond the "IZ_ math" answer already given. There are some bikes for which I would pay $27K, but not any H-D fits that category, at least not one made after about 1940. (Okay, I MIGHT pay $22K for the fully loaded Ultra Electra Glide Classic, but would proably go Gold Wing first)
At $15K my H-D is right on the same cost of my Monster. The service costs average out at about the same.
As far as the wheelie sign, I never get that from people. There was a drunk outside of that Mexican place across from the Dubliner one night. As I got on my H-D he kept yelling "WHEELIE! WHEELIE!" I wanted to slap the bee yatch.
Now, if a kid gives me a wheelie sign, that's just cool. Reminds me of being 10 years old and doting on all things McQueen.
I don't do wheelies though. Not because of some uber prudence on my part. I just don't know how.