Welcome back Ted. I totally support the notion of you getting a R1200GS or even GSA. And I'll point and laugh
Anyways, I've met this Japanese guy last year at the HU Meeting in Germany who rode his 125cc Honda cruiser all the way from Japan to Europe. He seemed very happy with it - the bike was very light, great mileage and absolutely no "oh-look-not-shiny-enough" issues at all. But to answer your initial questions: yes and yes.
By the way, if I was looking for a road bike I'd seriously consider the Triumph Bonneville or maybe a Royal Enfield. They're timeless classics, they look great and I think they can do pretty much anything. There's a blue brand new Royal Enfield just down the road and I really enjoy just looking at it.
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
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