Harley actually attempted to patten the sound against Japanese copies.

They called it: potato potato potato potato and said it was theirs and

theirs only. Think they lost that fight.

HuH? Harleys were built that way in the 19 naughts! This was done to
save weight. Unlike you the engineers back then knew that you could
provide two crankpins and have one cylinder fire every 360 degrees at
what ever angle they chose. The 45 degree angle is simply to get the
engine into a small space as possible in the frame.

It was the Japanese who copied Harley. Maybe Harley tried to sue them,
but most Japenese v twins use ofset crank pins for a smoother run.
Also the cylinders are more ofset to improve cooling.