You should take a look at the Victory Vision or one of the Cross bikes. My Cross Roads has good power.handles well and is very comfortable solo or two up.
Discount my response as well, I thought she would be on the back. Yup, go for a Raider, one of the best Cruisers that I have ever ridden and amazingly easy to handle for such a big bike. The engine in that thing is a torque monster, loved it!
It's OK D. I know you are on a budget and forced to settle. Sorry I don't have a Raider for you... The three we had have all been sold. As others have stated. Going from a Standard to a feet forward bike you may just be trading knee pain for back pain. At the very least, budget for some type of lumbar support.
The Yammer Roadliner is a good choice, also take a look at the Victory baggers. Very comfortable bikes with room to stretch the legs enough to take pressure off of the knees. Go easy on the Tylenol - too much isn't good for the liver. A neighbor from India who is also an MD suggested we take turmeric every day as an anti-inflammatory. Works pretty well, no toxicity.
an "adventure tourer" doesnt have to be a BMW..the super ten and triumph explorer,the triumph tiger the ktm 990 vee stroms wee stroms.I could prolly go on.
Some damned good advice from all quarters. At the risk of sounding like some bloody SNAG, I'd suggest trying yoga. Helps w/ the joints, plain all-round good for you, and you'll be the lone guy in a class full of hot young ladies. (I perhaps should have asked if your wife reads this forum too.). I was pleasantly surprised to feel some distinct benefits w/ my sporadic and half-assed attempts. If you follow mrbreeze's advice re: R1200RT, the used cop bikes have always seemed like a deal to me, although some disagree. The orca colour scheme is said to command a modicum of respect from road users, and possibly even mitigate tickets too. In any case, keep us posted, eh? . . .
+ 1 on Kraven, Bueller and Dogsroot. An adventurer touring bike would likely deal with the ergonomic issues while providing you with a great long haul platform. If possible, beg borrow or rent yourself a scoot and put a full day in on it. Dogroots suggestion to pull out the yoga mat, is a fine one. As the saying goes, we're only as young as we are flexible.
When I made the recommendation for an adventure tourer I wasn't being brand specific. But since you went there, I can tell you from my experience my current ride - a '12 Tiger 800 - is the best answer for me. I've had three GS's and a V-Strom in the past. Comparing the Tiger to Sport tourers I appreciate the extra leg room. What little the tiger gives up in weather protection (the wide tank actually provides some decent coverage) it more than makes up for in light weight, leg room, good mileage, and the ability to run 87 octane. My past ownership experience includes an FJR1300, 4 BMW RT's, two BMW K1200 LT's, a GL1800, and a variety of sport bikes and Harleys. I can travel, rip through the mountains, and also leave the pavement if the mood strikes me. Handling and acceleration are relatively comparable to many sport tourers, though admittedly my FJR was certainly faster in a straight line. Still, I don't find the 800 lacking and wouldn't think twice about taking it to a track day. The only complaint about the Tiger 800 (I have the roadie, not the XC) comes from the SO. She gets a bit uncomfortable on long trips because the passenger perch doesn't give her enough leg room. But I suspect that's due to aging and significant joint problems she's having with her knees, and I'm not sure she'd be comfortable on any bike at this point in our lives. Don't be in too much of a rush. Ride everything you think you might be interested in, and ride it for as long as they'll let you. If you are working with the right people/businesses the shopping and test riding experience is half of the fun!
1 See a doc for your knees. 2. See a head doc for your head stuff. 3. Ask around on the COG forums for your ergo troubles 4. Keep the Connie, and buy another bike.