Let me explain how arvon2 came into being, and why I decided to have Arvon Stacey design and build it for MY own requirements...
I have sat on (and rode on) a LOT of bikes and MOST don't fit me worth s**t - even though they obviously fit a LOT of people. Fewer fit me now that I have a SS leg brace. Touring on a Brommie and others like my R-20 is a no-starter because they don't fit me well enough for travel. The distance from the seat to the handlebars is just too short. Remember I am 6'5" and that also gives you an indication of my leg/arm/torso length.
My arvon1 fits great - because it was built to fit ME. This past summer (July-Aug) I toured in AU with it. Trouble was the weight of it and my Bob Ibex trailer precluded it's going as checked baggage. THAT got me thinking more than ever about other designs...
Arvon2 was built for function (aka sustained touring, not some short jaunt to the local shop) AND fit (as in it MUST fit ME), NOT for appearance ( I paid for, and wanted racks because after all this bike IS for touring). I also chose the BRG colour, but the other "possible" colour option was "Beer Bottle Brown". I frankly rest my case there as I paid for it, AND Arvon and I discussed my requirements - like the Al box. He has seemed to have solved the requirements, and now I will really field test it next July-August between Perth and Adelaide. Besides, arvon1 needs 2 suitcases if I want to take it apart at the S&S connectors.... Arvon2 was specifically designed and built to deal with that particular issue when touring away from "home".
At my 63 years I am going for function AND comfort. That is why I bought a (Hilleberg) Nallo 2 GT tent instead of a Eureka (of which I have 2 from my previous life camping as a family of 2 - boys now grown up and gone). The Nallo inner and fly set up together in a rain while the Eureka (and North Face, and ...) set up the inner first, and then the outer. Not exactly good in rain. Function in the dry is fine, but....
I am sure my purchases (bike, tent, etc) will do me well. My call, and my bills to pay