Pompiere: I can't argue with your reasoning. Makes total sense about the different positions. There's a lot of reasons why I like the Sutra LTD. It's 95% there. I would ride most of the time on the hood and top of a drop bar bike....no doubt in my mind (for what I use a bike for). What really bugs me is the way the cable from the shifter and brake levers passes under the taped bar. It's on the backside, but you feel this bulge. Very annoying. I suppose that could be modified.

Thanks for your comments