Well things started off well - until I got to highway speeds and my head cover gasket blew and covered the lower part of the bike, my left foot, the left box and left edge of the top box (go figure) in oil.
Three days and nearly $90 later (the gasket was $42, and overnight shipping almost that) and I'm all fixed up. I had to use a gasket locator adhesive to hold the new gasket in the cover while I slid the latter into place.
I finally did the full round trip with my new, less grumbly, less clattery Concours, and I have two words to say..
Holy Macaroni !!! It's like a new bike!
The bike is smooth and quiet at idle, responds smartly to throttle position changes, accelerates like a raped ape, doesn't shake my eyeballs out at highway speed, and doesn't leave my hands numb for two days. The bike just asks to go fast, and sounds wonderful. Even after a week I still can't stop marveling at the difference.
I've just bought a brand new TDI Passat for my commute, and it's sat in the garage for two weeks 'cos I can't stand to not ride the bike. That's how much I like this Connie now.
NOW I know what y'all are excited about with this bike :-)
OK, NOW it's time for SISF's cam kit. Yes, I can hear you all say "prepare to be amazed yet again!".
Bring it on!