Let me ask you this Chet. Would you be using this tent as much as you are if you only had your Connie? I am really putting some thought into this ($$$$), and I don't see taking the Connie up on a hill to camp or even out in the middle of a field if I did't have to.
I have my four man tent, plenty of room for gear, that I am taking this weekend on my ride. I will park the Connie safely on the pavement, pack my bags to the tent, and cover the bike.
I really like the idea of having my bike right next to me and covered at night, but is it practical with this big beast of a street bike that is hard to maneuver around in a rutted field?
One more I have been looking at. This guy has good things to say about the Big Agnes tent.
I've heard good things about the BA tent (Big Ass), but the thing is heavy and doesn't pack down as small. My dry bag holds my tent, sleeping bag, inflatable pillow, and self inflatable mattress, as well as my sleeping clothes. I also keep the shovel in the bag. I'll find a pic that shows the bag all packed up.
I bought the tent before the GS with the intent of a trip to AK on the Connie, so yes, I would have this tent. The outer vestibule is just o so nice. 3 doors so you can choose which to open, which really is nice if you do any cooking in inclement weather and on those hot days being able to trap the breeze is awesome. Room for bike, bags, gear, and a clean sleeping area? And there is the back vestibule for additional room out of the weather.
Like you I had a serious pause before dropping the coinage, but after plenty of use and a happy wife I have zero regrets. And yes, the awning kit is worth it, moreso for the added shade in the summer. A serious investment for seriously good times