Mr. Miles, I do understand your question,
However I would like to make a suggestion. Go ride a used BMW R bike. It has some of the "romance" of the duck, and is plenty fast enough. I truly like all bikes. It is just that I tend to be practical. Now if you have tons of cash burning a hole in your pocket, I guess you could afford to experiment and buy ( and sell) a few till you get what you are looking for.
Here are some of the really strong points for a R BMW.
* The jugs will save your bacon
b.t.d.t.g.t.t.
* If you are mechanically inclined, you can do much of the work yourself and save lots of bucks.
* They hold their value better than a UJM
not sure about the Duc
* IT is easy ( as things can be that) to get service on a BMW. Be sure you look into that no matter what you buy.
* There is an old saying. "there are those that own a BMW and those that will". I do not say this in a derogatory way about other bikes. You just have to go ride one for a while. They really do fit the bill for many folks.
* SAFETY
did you realize that they have Anti Lock Brakes? Regardless of what some will say ( negatively) they are flat out awesome and will with out question give you an edge on some rainy commute when what you were doing was thinking about the day instead of the cage in front of you! We all do this, some just wont admit it.
Like I said, ALL one wheel drive machines are awesome. But few will give you sheer riding pleasure day after day in the manner that a BMW will.
* The jump to a FRJ1300 size bike is huge ! It has a lot of power and will bite you unless you are a capable rider. Not that the BMW wont, but it is more forgiving. BMW s do haul butt as well. I have a 99 GS, for commuting and can embarrass many squids. BTGTTT as well.
* Heck if you want to spend the money, a 2005 BMW R1200GS is hard to beat
WITH ANYTHING!!
*I do understand about the looks of a twin. They are an acquired taste as it were. BUT after you cover a 700 mile day on it the first time you will come to love the profile!!!!!!!!!
*These concepts are hard to put into words. GO ride a few bimmers. They may or may not fit the bill. You have every thing to gain by looking and thinking it through.
* And last but not least, if ya gotta have power, and the "stream-Lined " look, the K12S is plenty fast, and looks good ( compared to jugs
.for some people).