Hi kildaman , my biking history similar , the best thing for me getting a big scoot is how good it is for big mileage without ruining my clutch hand and or wrist , we took ours to Misano last year avoiding motorways as much as possible in company with a Ducati ST4S and a classic GS1150 something Suzuki , a bored out tuned GS1000 . It was so easy especially when someone thought it would be a good idea to ride through Turin , thought it was fun , they didn't . The wet was easy , no going up and down gears and so comfortable for all day riding and being able to get off with no aches . Just put petrol in it half as often as the Suzuki , no faffing with chains and they can go quite well enough in the mountains . A convert .