I'm 150 miles into my new V7ll Stone. Previous bikes were a Honda Rebel 450 (Great starter bike!), a Breva 750 (great bike for learning more), and a Breva 1100.
This new V7ll pleases me more than any other bike I've owned. And that's when its sitting in the garage.
I'm a conservative rider, so the performance of the small block suits me just fine. Yes, the seat's too hard. Yes, the suspension is a 45-year old design, made from cheap parts. Yes, the brakes are mediocre. I don't care.
When I look at and ride this bike, I don't compare it to a BMW, or a Harley, or a Ducati, or a Bonneville. I think "this looks and feels like a motorcycle".
And I like it.