All correct, not a fan of euro engineering, not just bikes. I deal with expensive euro stuff every day, beautiful designs, precision, style, exceptional finishes.
Put the stuff to work and you see the same thing you see with cars and bikes. Breakdowns, short life cycles, expensive repairs. It's all good if you're buying new and keeping the stuff for 3-5 years (till warranty is over), beyond that it's all question marks.
I understand the perspective, but disagree to an extent.
I've used equipment (agriculture/horticulture industry) of European design and manufacture that has lasted decades with only basic maintenance and expected wear parts being replaced. Same (relative) design still being sold 30-40 years on and parts still available.
I've ridden Euro brand bikes since 1989 almost exclusively, BMW, Triumph, KTM and most recently a Husqvarna and haven't ever been stranded or let down. My off road KTM's and now my Husky need no more attention than a Japanese bike of the same nature and I'd argue that my 1999 2 stroke KTM 300 exc was FAR MORE durable, and less maintenance intensive than a Japanese equivalent of the same era. (Jeez I miss that bike!)
As a side note - I have ZERO interest in a fuel injected, electric start 2 stroke. I've watered out before and was able to ride away. That seems unlikely with a modern FI 2 stroke.
At the same time, while I love my KTM 1090 Adventure I'm less inclined to ride it to the east coast than I would be on a 1300 Super Tenere or an FJR1300. The 1090 just seems a bit more "rough around the edges" than the Japanese options and rough edges tend to annoy me when I'm far away, and a long time from home.
In support of Mikes points, I am mechanically inclined, motivated to do most of my own work (even if it means a learning curve), and willing to augment my tool kit as needed. Motorcycles are a fun hobby, so why not.
I expect reliability, but I don't want an appliance.
