I respect your decision FJR_pig, as I have been struggling with the same choice, but I'm still going to give the SS1K a try. Ten days ago I had a low speed tip-over (my dumb-ass fault) and although I continued on my trip, after four days I finally came home to heal up. Damage was from trying to hold a top-heavy, overloaded bike up. Only a couple small scrapes on the right bag, right can and the slider. My damage included a sprained right thumb, upper back pain, right knee sprain with bad swelling and ripped muscles in my lower back. Already had a bad back and feared more spinal problems, but the doc I saw said I'm no worse. But getting older sucks, and healing takes longer. So I've taken almost two weeks to heal up and I'm feeling better, but still sore in the lower back -- I'm going to resume my (shortened) vacation ride Sunday, and try the SS1K in Golden.