As far as touring vs roadster...I just bought my roadster @ 3 weeks ago and have over 600 miles on it already. I too lurked on here and was chomping at the bit for well over 1 1/2 yrs before I was in a position to buy. I also did not test ride one until I was ready to buy. Big difference between the two as far as I am concerned is riding position. Roadster has pegs and you sit more upright, Touring has boards, heel toe shifter and you sit more legs towards the front (i.e Touring).
Either one and you should be stoked!! I LOVE mine. Hardest things was to ride it gentle for the first 500 for the break-in period. Also noticed that finding neutral and shifting smoothed out considerably after the first oil change also.
