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$2k more and I've never sat on an Indian that impressed me. Seems like less bike for more $. In my opinion, Indian falls short on fit and finish. Polaris/Victory too.
This is my biggest thing about HD vs the rest. Say what you want about the engineering that goes into the bike, but HD NAILS the touch points. The bike feels rock solid from the handlebars to the turn signals to the floor boards to the shifters..
Conversely, the Japanese do this the worst. Terrible, plasticy controls. Instruments back-lit with cheap, garish colored LEDs that make everything look like a walmart stereo. I'd like to punch the clown that thinks its a good idea to put LCD instruments on a cruiser. And "extras" like cruise control bolted on in chincy control pods, so obviously an afterthought.
The Guzzi California was the same. Lots of cheaply chromed sheet metal for the sake of chromed sheet metal. And they really took the sack out of that 1400.
If you want a well engineered touring rig, buy a Gold Wing. I suspect there is no equal.
If you don't care so much about engineering and just want a comfortable, usable, dare I say-reliable-everyday rider, I think the RK may be the one.
Love the blacked out look on that Indian though. If your pockets are that deep HD did a special version of the RK in that theme recently too.