I rode a Goldwing the other day. It was a "Mitch" Special ie. it even has a sheepskin seat cover. Apart from the fact it's just about everything I dislike in a motorcycle (from the screen to the hard bags to the radio/cassette/CD changer to the heated air vents to the riding position etc etc) it didn't go half bad considering it only has 1500cc to push 4 1/2 tons of chrome, plastic and do dads around. Needed a good run up to get up to speed. Handled surprisingly well, although it did feel a bit like I was piloting a boat, sorry, ship. Could imagine it would be quite comfortable on a trip. Be horrible in traffic though. My only fear was that someone might recognise me.
Ray, it must have been horrible for you. You'll be able to be proud of what your ride again soon.