The heat is a non issue for me, yes i notice it form time to time but its not like it roast you off the bike. i used to own a TL which a lot of people say stands for nuts Toasted Lightly and the connie is nowhere near as warm as the TL was. The heavy steering I did notice on my first test ride, but I also noticed it just disappears while rolling above parking lot speeds, pushing and backing is the only time i notice it now, you have to remember this is a 700lb bike. As far a suspention goes i think it is great for a bike of this size, only thing i have change since i have had it is the preload on the rear to compensate my fat ass, and while in NC and TN in September i was able to drag peg on several occasions. I do not like the idea of linked brakes so i like the older ones for being non linked. Heated grips are easy to add(mine has them), and i v heard a few say the traction control is a joke on the newer ones. I have a Area P slipon on mine and it sounds SWEET with out being overly loud. As far as removing the flies and remapping and all that crap i think is a huge waste of time and money, these bikes have more power than you would ever need and i can roll on in 6th gear from 30mph and she will never hicup and be as smooth as silk. If you pick one up and think you might need a windscreen i have 2 CeeBailys ones right now(a doomed touring and euro touring) that once i figure out which one i'm going to keep on i'll be selling the other one.