Carl---Welcome to this great forum. I hadn't been in here much as I normally hang out over at ADV rider. I assume you are the same Crazy Carl that is over there.
Just read the trials and tribulations of Beemer boy today. Some tough luck he had on that ride. Glad you were there to help him out. Here is the excellent thread for those interested:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222736
these bikes fill a niche that is sadly ignored by the major manufacturers. Many of us that grew up in the '60s, '70s, or '80s are searching for the road far less traveled and want to uncomplicate our lives. Getting off the interstate and slowing down enough to smell the flowers, now that's living!
As a testament to these bikes I present another thread that has shown surprising interest, the Minimalist Touring Thread:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201349