I test rode the new Venture at Pinnacle in Bessemer, back around June or so. Rode it back-to-back with the new Gold Wing. The Venture has a very nice fit and finish, and the motor sounds really, really nice. But...
I had not even made it out of the parking lot when I was scraping floorboards. Literally within the first 20 feet, without even trying. The ground clearance is awful. Also, I think the rev limiter kicks in way too soon, like around 5,000 RPM. First time I hit it, I wasn't even trying. I thought something was wrong with the bike.
If you want to go slow and straight, the new Venture is an excellent choice.