I owned an XB9s for a couple of years. I did do some long trips on it. I loved it but, you are right. Every 75 miles I had to stop to put my feet down. I would be a cobbled up the next day but, the motorcycle is so much fun that I couldn't help but hobble out to it and throw a leg over. They have the low down torque and are very flickable. Man, could I do corners. I am not ashamed to talk about them. After the sale of the XB I needed a new motorcycle that I could purchase for around $3k cash, so I picked up a '99 X1. Also a fun motorcycle. I am a big fan of the motorcycle, not the seating position. Have a look at the header on my blog
www.ridesafe.today.com . That is a Buell chopper custom. I would love to take one for a ride. I don't think the seating position will be any more comfortable. I also think the Blast is a GREAT starter motorcycle. I would consider having one as a second. The price is right. I believe that a person can find one with low miles for $2400-$2600 and ride it for a season or two and get most of the purchase price back.
Jay T.
www.ridesafe.today.com