Sub par is the wrong word. Harley has a line up of bikes to fit every type of riding style and budget. It is no different from comparing a Ford Focus to a Lincoln to a Mustang. Is a 883 Sportster comparable to a let's say a Softail custom?? certainly not, but I would say that the 883 is as every bit of quality that the Softail is, just in a different package. I myself don't care for the touring models, they are beautiful bikes, but they are not to my taste. I like the style of the Dyna's and Softails. I would eventually like to get a Heritage, I think the bike looks great in the deep Turquoise blue and antique white, this will most likely be my next bike.
So again sub par is the wrong word, I would say you get what your budget lets you get and you just keep working you way up the line..
Irish Hog :41: