I welcomed the new Second Bike to the garage

[lcon2]

No, it doesn't surprise me, I ranked the handling the same based off my very short test rides. Nice to have someone with so much experience with all three bikes validate what I experienced.

A lot of it depends on riding style too. So far you have not said much about that or your use case.

I will never go "off' road. My wife joins me ever 15th ride. My bikes are toys. I average maybe 6k miles a year. I enjoy curvy back roads. I like a bike that handles well and easily.

I have recently decided that I will never have a bike without cruise control. 

Anything with a greater lean than my z900rs cafe is too much. 
I do not like and will not tolerate a bike that gives off too much engine heat - my RT has spoiled me for a bike that runs cool.

Regarding the Tracer's screen - ultimately I agree with you, it being a bad design. However, if one is to be totally honest, how often do you look at anything other that speed once under way?