HD is a lifestyle or an image of who you want to be! HD is not practical to have or buy unless you are close to a dealership with proper service and parts within hours or a few days away.
Therefor as an European and now living in Thailand, there is better options and also more economic options.
I believe many still have the Image of Easy Rider or some other biker movies in their head when choosing HD. The always being a young free spirit, and a bit outlaw on the edge.
Quite easy to tell when you see uniformed expat riders here in Thailand, living their "dream" or the image of it. At least they trying! Some come with a unhealthy group mentality, others just look mean and bad, but actually great people, just have fun and share interest riding HD, a dream they carried for their whole life.
Others see the more negative aspect of what HD have represented and still do!