Have toured 2 times from South Carolina to Missouri (1800 miles round trip in 5 days, with 2 600+ mile days) with mine without shield, or cruise/throttle lock. No problems!!! Some soreness in my neck, but I get that after an hour-hour and a half even around town, so am looking at a shield this spring. Have done one with and one without Jims Spacers, didn't make any difference to me. I ran with TourMaster XL slanted saddlebags and a tank bag once and a duffle bag strapped to the saddlebags across the rear mudguard the second time. As for the tailbone, i'm sure most here will recommend the Corbin saddle or a gelpack insert. I've run both trips on a stock saddle and just shift my butt around and am fine. Stretch my legs over the front pegs from time to time to help the legs. Could I probably do better with lots of add-ons, yeah, but I like my bike as close to the original look as possible so can deal with it. Don't want a Tourglide or a Wing. Good luck!
Oh, with regard to the alternators, not sure who your source of info is. I've got a JCW lightbar with two 55W lights plus the low beam running and never had a problem with a weak battery(knock on wood) or starting. I run it almost all the time, day and night, for better visibility (i.e. cagers seeing ME!!)
