Not to be the black sheep on the clinic but, I honestly don't see what the problem was with that review. Aside from the fact that the guy narrating needs some coffee, it's seemed pretty fair and favorable to both bikes. He even said surprisingly, the HD won by a split decision. ...or something to that effect.

Where It me, I would have chosen the HD for the same reasons. Personally I think it sounds better too. All things being equal, then yes, sometimes it comes down to the seemingly intangible. Frankly I see that as a compliment to the Royalstar as it infers there are no other bikes on the market that would hold up as well in that comparo.

Maybe I'm biased, but if the Royal had the R* engine, I'd like it better. That said, It's clear the mark Yamaha was shooting for when they designed it. So in the end, if you have to choose, it's not out of line to choose the original.

Don't get me wrong, I think the sales reps and owners who throw that, "mystique" crap around like it makes them superior are full of ish, and clearly trying to compensate for something. But don't stoop to their level and hate just cuz. It doesn't make us any better.