Though I haven't ridden a Duck, I do fully understand that analogy. I uesd to be a sportbike ridder myself (85 900 Ninja & 93 VFR 750). I do find the experience of ridding different bikes to be much more imidiate than driving different cars. I guess it's because of being on two wheels? I see Ducks as the "Ferrari" of bikes and Hondas as well, the Hondas of bikes - they do lack passion. I do find my 400e to definitely have it's own "vibe" (not simply because my motor mounts are worn). It's just that I find the German "vibe" to be a bit harsh and controling - maybe a bit S&M! If I had my way I'd drive a Ferrari!

I think you've got it. Mercedes is a typical German. Hard and controlling...."do it my way" Very refined. Italian is to the edge extreme engineering and VERY sexy. Style before function if you will.