We opted for the 900 for it´s increased HP rating (which no-one can give you an exact # for) we live by the escarpment, so people refer to how good you´re gonna get up the hill by simply acclerating or having to shift down or not. Our salesperson suggested that for two-up riding the 900 would have more than enough power to take us up the hill with out downshifting, whereas, say the Shadow or Boulevard would certainly leave us wanting. We saw a 900 at the dealership and was it ever gorgeous. Tomorrow it´s time for rainsuits, helmets and gloves. We´ve already got our first road trip planned, guess we better hurry up with the bike, eh?