I finally decided to take the demo ride and make a real decision.  Like the title says, you can imagine the result.  About 1/2 way back to the dealership, I was already thinking about what accessories I would need and "what was the name of that other bike I was considering again?...."

I did all the slow speed stuff just to be sure of the handling of the "beast" - after all, my last bike was a Wing that I sold in '94, so I've been out of action a while.  The Vision was like those 14 yrs melting away.  It all came back and then some.  In the end, it really all came down to one choice - I was absolutely agonizing over the color choice!  Imagine - a real man, agonizing over COLOR , not engine size or throttle response.  I want a Tour Premium and the dealership had both the cherry and the black all set to go.  My car is an exact match for the cherry, but the black and chrome beckoned. 

So, in the end, I ponied up to the bar and am getting a black Tour Premium, added S1L1 pipes, GPS (2820 - not discontinued 2720), lid cover for trunk removal use, some wiring harnesses for audio and a few other things.  Just wish they offered a toe/heel shift and found the mirrors a bit close in.  The ride was a different experience from my old Wing (which I loved), but I liked it.  I also like the more laid back seating position and roomy floorboards.  I had intended to wait until July to see what the '09's had to offer, but the hell with it.  You can wait forever.

I know you've all heard this same song before, but forgive me in my approaching old age (59, with 60 coming fast) if this return to motorcycles just got the best of me and I had to share.  You've all been there and can empathize.  (I sure hope I made the right choice on that damn color though - that cherry demo was sweet, but that gleaming black - yowsa!)

Ray

P.S. If anyone has any "must have" add-ons that I've forgotten, let me know.  I have a couple of days while they wire it up and get it ready.  I'll be riding solo for the most part.

Thanks for the heads-up about the shifter from the Kingpin - I'll look into that.  I really like heel/toe and would prefer to switch if possible.

Ray

Good suggestions all!  I have since decided to add the chrome trunk rack and am still considering the heel/toe shift from the Kingpin.  I mentioned it to my dealer and he was unaware, but VERY interested and was planning to take one off and have a look.  His only concern was possible throw conflict with those large floorboards, but is going to try it out.

RockStar, the clear bra is a good idea - I also value the paint.   BearCat, I already experienced your point and that was on the DEMO ride.  I had stopped at a traffic light to U-turn back to the dealer and a guy in a black pick-up stopped who was the picture of an HD driver (no disrespect, it's just that "look" he had, I have no HD bias).  He yelled over to me "great looking ride, bud...what they go for?"  I told him and also mentioned that some don't like the look, but it's a great ride.  He had a few more comments - all positive and said "who cares what other bikers think...it looks hot...ride safe."  Great intro to the experience to come.

I found a mid $400's Garmin 2820 to install and the dealer had no heartburn about not buying the old one from him - he's offering all parts at %15 off and free install, including the S1L1's at time of purchase.  hehe, that spurred me on to add a thing or two.  The T-shirt order is on the way.  I was a fixed, jet and rotor-wing aviator in real life and have plenty of pilot logos, etc.  Maybe I need one more to add to my leather flight jacket?

Ray