Definitely stay around my friend. As others have said, a forum is the members and not necessarily the specific bike.
I gave my son my 07 Classic, along with a VStrom DL1000 several years ago, thinking I'd never own another Rocket at my age. Well, that lasted a few years and now I've got a beautiful Touring.
And thanks for the comment about riding your area. Returning from riding in AZ, I've ridden from Needles to Bakersfield a number of times, and like that long downhill ride into Bakersfield. I've also turned north on 395 and headed up to Death Valley. I've never turned south on 395 into Victorville and Apple Valley though. What is the Cajon Pass? I'll just have to get down your way this spring. Sounds great. So many roads, so little time.