I take big trips and many times am far away from home and dealers I trust, so yeah it matters to me personally. I don't trust bikes from Europe "period", so I reckon that is another bug up my ass. LOL Some great choices out there for all of us, but I could never throw a lot of coin at a bike I don't fully trust to ride anywhere and everywhere. High maintenance European super models, they look damn good and are stacked with much sex appeal and really put out until they all of a sudden stop doing so for many times stupid reasons. I work on my own bikes for almost anything, but I like knowing I have the option of accessible dealer support if I am in a pinch. For those that only ride local or are looking to do track days, then the gourmet bikes are a fabulous choice. Don't get me wrong and think I would never own one, it's just that I could not have a super model as my primary bike. If it has 2 wheels I like it, we all obviously have different tastes and desires in the bikes we like and own.