Ditto, Wordslinger. I started to say these kind of things in my post but cut them out cause I didn't want to sound too much like a spoil sport. Actually, mrjllube, I don't think even the 500 would be all that good for the freeway trips you envision. Around town or one up lightly loaded, yes it's great! But, loaded down it just doesn't have the passing power or power to get out of the way of the honkin, racin, type of speed crazy drivers we have on freeways here.
It would do the trip, yes, but for me, it would leave me with that old feeling of wanting more power. It's just my opinion and I hope others will chime in on this if they disagree.
I know you've got your hopes up, but I thought it'd be right to give my take on this now before you jump in and spend the $$. Why don't you try to test ride some other bikes as well as these. Is it at all possible you could get two? Something smaller for daily use and a bigger touring bike for your long hauls.
Maybe there is some bike or scooter that would satisfy both conditions well. How about the Burgman 650 or Honda Silverwing? Check the load limits. Anyway, I wish you well in your decision!
