Looking at a new bike for next season

[mojowork_n]

1. In Germany, a BMW bike -- the R series, specifically -- was...

always referred to as a "Gummikuh" or "Rubber Cow."

Between 1955 and 1990, anyway.

Had to look up "Roadstar" to see that it was something that looks
to me like Yamaha imitating Kenilworth or Peterbilt (or Goldwing?)

I've only owned two bikes in my life, but the Kawasaki GPZ that
was my favorite is so different from what you appear to be used
to, the only helpful suggestion I have is....

....look at an American bike first. H-D or maybe a Buell. You don't
have to buy anything you don't like, but give 'em a shot. Like Ed
Schultz is always saying, to back American business and American
workers. And Buell really made some nice bikes.