Hello Gary and welcome, from Virginia. I'm looking forward to your new adventure, maybe not as much as you, but love reading a new R3 rider's perspective...
I had a Street Triple R with which I was extremely happy. One day like you I developed an interest for a Rocket, took a test drive and that was it. She seemed a bog old girl initially but then you realise how stable, comfortable and effortless the ride is - not to mention the power. Nothing else comes close.