Similar thing for me 10 years ago, my wife and I both ride crotch rockets (R1 & R6) and our daughters complained they where too fast and would not ride with us anymore, so we sold the rockets and I got a 2006 gold wing and the wife bought a Honda VT750.. The wing was awful at first, the suspension is so far from a racing bike setup and seriously under sprung. Fortunately I go Progressive suspension to redo the front forks and fit stronger springs and got a new rear shock with a stiffer spring, the wing sat about 1.5inches higher than stock, but handled great (far better than I would have ever expected) and all the gadgets where fun. 10 years later both daughters ride their own bikes and we sold the wing and VT and bought a Super Tenere and an FZ07 and are loving them. The wing was great but after 10 years I was ready for a change. Get the suspension sorted and they are truely great bikes (despite the weight!!).
Gary