Everyone -

Thanks for all the welcome posts.

Reference my wife's butt......um, I mean, how it relates to the seat....hold on, let me start over. I figure two years on the stock Suzuki seat and she's good to go. We like to take breaks every hour or so, and she's good. In fact, she's the best passenger I've ever had with me; absolutely becomes "one" with the machine, and we've ridden a lot of different bikes together. Anyway, I'll report back with her, uh, impressions on the seat (pun?)

As far as picking the R*, I'm more than certain I've made the right choice for me. Reading here helped me research and get a feel for what real owners think, but beyond that, there isn't anything out there that compares for the price. Not only that, I've owned several Yamaha products and I have great respect for the engineering, the quality, and the something extra.....a little bit of "soul," if you will. Yamaha's usually have it, Hondas simply don't.

Further, while I'll freely admit that with unlimited funds I'd likely walk into a Harley shop and buy an '09 FXDX (Street Glide), I'm not so sure I wouldn't "de-badge" that thing (!)........I'm soooooo tired of the "me too" element of the modern HD crowd. Seems like everyone around here has one and it's just becoming redundant. The attitude in the dealerships is getting better, but man I've got a few family and friends who are so blinded by Willy G's spell I think they've forgotten why it is we ride bikes.

I like to RIDE, and I take some measure of pride in riding WELL. I don't need a certain tank badge to do that. Personally, as I get older, I'm seeing these die hard HD guys.....you know, the ones who won't talk to you when they see your bike isn't HD.....as really insecure.

OK.....rant over. Big generalizations in all of this post. Anyway, thanks for the good words. I can't wait to break her in!