I used to get more waves. There is something changing tho. Maybe it is the times. People in general, more intraverted with their owns tho'ts etc. I think some of it is that there are new riders who don't have anyone to explain to them. I used to almost always see the 2 fingers pointed down which means "keep the wheels down on the road" but this year a lot of people on all kinds of bikes waving like they are in a parade.
I think they are new to bikes and they haven't got friends to glue them in.
The HD definitely draws buyers for different reasons. For some, it is the atttitude. Then there are the 1%ers who truly are the criminals and going to only ride HDs. my neighbor bought and HD, rides it maybe 6-8 times a year. Just wanted one. It's ok with me, it is his money and right to own one and let it sit in his garage. He doesn't know anything about helmets or raingear; he has no biker friends and doesn't use the internet.
I think most bikes are well made today. This past spring, I decided it was time for a real cruiser. I looked at the HDs. The attitude, leather, loud pipes, price and cost of bling. I wanted an enjoyable, comfortable ride where we could ride as far on a bike as in a car. It was an easy choice.