David dont rule out the 650, I wanted the 800 but with a 29" inside leg it wasnt possible, I took the 650 out for a test ride and absolutely loved it (I had a Ducati monster 900 before so was used to lots of grunt). I bought the 650 and havent regretted it for a moment, its a great bike.
You can bling the 650 up a bit to look like the 800 if thats what you want, TT do the beak extender and additional bits for the side scoops etc and someone will be sure to do spoked wheels at some point.
You could try getting some boots like Altbergs, I wear the Hogg All Weather Microlite
http://www.altberg.co.uk/Web/motorcycle1.jsp, the sole is much thicker than on normal motorbike boots and have a really good grippy sole, thats half the problem with short legs, manouvering the bike around when you feel like your feet are slipping under you, it doesnt do much for your confidence.
Also sliding your bum out of the seat when you come to traffic lights, junctions etc, as long as you can get one foot flat on the floor you'll be fine, trying to tippytoe on both feet is guaranteed to make you topple over.
Hope that helps?