"for me just lacked something - probably character."
+1 on that. I rode an XR for a morning....agree it's a blast, and fast, but then what?
I rode past a guy on a Lambretta trying to push 50 earlier. I hate them. But I expect the guy dreams about it every night. If I took one for a test ride I know I would just hate it more. If he took a test ride on a GS I expect he would hate his mod rocket too

So there's the science....you chose a GS, you'll be happier now and stay alive a lot longer than the man with 8" wheels. But will the GS have more character than a Lamby? Maybe, maybe not. There's a thread right there.
When you get your new toy....straight to Hiltop with you!