Hi! I am 71 and started riding at 18 so I have many good bikes under my belt. All time favorite was probably my Moto Guzzi 850-t3 Police version..
My current ride is an Aprilia Atlantic 500 maxi-scooter with easy step through design, 100 mph top speed, CVT transmission (shiftless) 55-60 mpg, super cushie seat and lots of under the seat stowage.
These maxi-scooters are thousands of dollars less than the big bikes, insurance costs are lower, weight is lower, and the "fun" factor is superb.
Look at Honda's SilverWing, Suzuki Burgman 650 and 400, Yamaha Majesty, and of course Aprilia's Scarabeo, Piaggio's X9 and Beverly. All of these are excellent long distance tourers and great around town at the same time. I have to add that these are "NOT" your grandmothers puny little 50cc Vespas, but full sized performance machines with more goodies than you will ever find on a motorcycle at twice the price.
Skip the Goldwing and go for the Burgman 650, the current "king of the hill."