I don't agree with not thinking about taking a long trip, I have but I do know that after 40 miles of hwy driving I am numb! Reality is this bike was not designed to be comfortable, so if you are looking for that I would look elsewhere, unless you are a masochist.
I would like a bike to tour with someday, but this bike is not the one for so many reasons. Someday when I can afford it I will probably get sport tourer, something like a Honda ST1300.
My $.02
D