My only question is top heaviness.. I have no experience with either types of bikes … so I am learning just as the same as others on the respects to those two styles. I know some bikes like Buell go through lengths to keep the CoG low. The retro’s (however ugly I may think they are) just look top heavy to me. Personally when looking for a first bike and getting the feel for low speed maneuvers… top heavy would not be on the short list. Again no experience… just basing off looks. I could be very wrong.
I can agree on the aspect of keeping available parts readily available. Though anyone can dig online for such things as long as they don’t mind the down time.
Knock on wood I have yet to lay either of my scoots down. My 5oo came close and I saved/ man handled it back up. The 9 got real close to…came within inches of touching off on the highway bars, but again I man handled that one back up to.Both happened to be in very slow maneuvers and using too much front brake, kick myself in the ass both times for it. A mistake not made anymore. I always keep my checklists in mind now days . I think planning on the lay down is in the same spirits as gear is. Keep it in mind for IF it happens…not that it will or when….. but IF.