I just got a 07 Royal Star venture. My advice (mama not happy, nobodys happy), but then again, I´m not married. But I also belong to GWRRA, I have lots of friends who have GW1800, and have ridin´ them myself. They got a lot of power, and handle great. Also lots of safety built into the bike. If it falls over, it will only go to a 45 degree angel. But the RSV has HD kind of sound to it.
Test Ride both, then take her on a test ride with both, then decide, but bottom line...you want mama to go riding with you?????