You guys are amazing! So many valuable responses! I have looked and sat at the dealership on all of the abovementioned bikes. Some feel better than others. I really liked the seating position on Bimmer. Suzuki did not impress me much. It was a bit too low for me, kinda borderlining the point when I have to lift my foot to switch gears. But I think I have to look at it again. Will drop by the dealership tonight
If you do, sit on the 1000. It's the same chassis with a different seat. Then you'll know exactly what the effect will be of swapping seats.
I think you are right. My V-Strom had heated grips + handguards, and was toasty warm. My CBF has only heated grips, and they don't always get warm enough. I have priced out BarkBusters for it, but haven't ordered them yet.
Still think you should look at the Ural bc of weather issues and ease of use with your wife but I can't see this (see pic) as cramped:
http://cycle-ergo.com/ will show you seating positions for pretty much any bike you might want to try out.
When I was shopping for a commuter bike I thought the V-Strom 1000 was one of the most comfortable bikes I had ever sat on and I'm 6'3". I might also add... Riding 2-up is the one time you need liter class power on an Adventure Bike. All other times smaller and lighter is better. If you are an experenced rider that like to let it rip, having a passenger on a 650 takes the fun out of it. While my 950 will still thrill 2-up.
Well that killed a few minutes of a boring day. I couldn't resist putting myself on every bike known to man. Then I decided to play with the passenger function, even though I never carry a passenger. I was disappointed that it wouldn't let me put a passenger on a Ural.