I think I've settled on the actual answer to the original question.
The Valk is bulletproof, reliable, smooth, and fast. However, unless you can afford to emulate LaMont, you aren't noticed. Midlife crisis occur at all ages, and after suffering though a long period of actually well deserved recognition, we rebel, and opt to add a bike that is so radical, everyone notices it (I passed a bus loaded with folks from a local retirement home last week, and they ALL gave me a "thumbs up" as I passed).
Now we can have the acclaim we deserve,when we want it, and cruise on the limo, when we don't....... :roflblack: