I loved my ACE but I would like something a little less buzzy on the highway .I did the 38T sprocket on it and that made a big difference but I still found myself looking for an extra gear sometimes. I haven't test ridden anything yet.
So now we know what you're looking for...
None of the sportsers I have ridden fit me... not even close. The Fat Bob on the other hand fit me quite well, so did the wide glide but to many $$ for what rode no better than what I have really
You really need to test ride the actual bike you want to buy if you can as 3 of the sporties I have ridden were the "same model" but all were very different, one had wicked foot vibrations, one hands went numb the other was all good (well good enough to ride for longer distances)
Harley are more reliable now....
Leathel, I'm going to cut you off there because everybody is more reliable NOW than they were in 1980. If we're talking *NEW* iron, we're talking roadside assist, full coverage insurance, warranties, etc, and your relationship with the dealership you're purchasing from. Up until that point, I agree 100% with what you have said.
I've ridden every bike in the HD lineup and none fit me until I got to a Road King. I've ridden every bike in the Honda lineup and none fit me. I've ridden Indians & they fit. Victory XC feels good, but not for the money they're looking for. My Valkyrie fills 90% of my requirements at 25% the cost of a new Chieftain. Without riding them, I never would have known.
RIDE.
Decide for yourself.
RIDE SOMETHING ELSE.
Compare.
RIDE SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.
Repeat until you find out for yourself. Don't worry about "Harley Riders mock Sportster owners" because they don't for long if you prove yourself. If you're worried about what others think, you're not going to be happy with your Honda, Sportster, Ducati, or anything else. Every camp has antagonists.
Answer the question What do YOU want?
EDIT #2: I'll add one more thing - If you ride a Sportster to Sturgis - without trailering it - nobody will be too hard on you. I don't even know where you're coming from, only assume it's not ACTUALLY Sturgis.