As above--short rides mostly less than two hours--will my girlfriend be as comfortable? She is super short--5-feet tall. The 1290 actually has bigger side bags--the SMT's are a bit tight. It looks like the passenger seat is actually a bit better formed than the SMT seat with a front lip to keep her from sliding into me as much. Further, I may get one of those clip-on passenger handle harnesses which clip around ME with two handle set options,. She is thinking the lack of hand holds on the 1290 may be a concern. What about windshield (lack of--though I thought I saw an aftermarket one somewhere)?

Also: What is involved/improved with the "ergo" seat options? Shape? Padding?

Tell her its got a Symbian seat