I agree, you should ride the bike and then decide. The bike isn't going to get away from you. I did chose the g-2 and am very impressed with the results. Cheap and easy. It relly helped with the unwelcomed little jerk coming out of the corners.
I voted SW Wis. Prairie du Chein would be a great base to ride from as there are great day rides in every direction. 11/2 hour to the nearest freeway! Lots of little ridge/hollow roads and almost all are paved. As for northern Minnesota(I live north of Minneapolis an hour), other than the...