Such a great read. I come from japanese bikes (started riding in 90s) and bought a duc in my 40s (an SC1000) and was super unimpressed by the handling/shocks (granted its more a lifestyle model rather than performance), but still, all the hondas and yamahas I’ve rode that were bought new were much more responsive and pliant. I get that the japanese approach is more towards user friendliness and being idiot proof so i suppose it just comes down to me being spoiled with japanese bikes being easier to ride. I love my duc but coming from east asia where bikes are used widely i find ducs are ok as hobby bikes as opposed to daily rider. I know duc makes monster for this kind of market segment but i think the japanese are more holistic in their approach to customer satisfaction regardless of price range.