Chiming in on Dan's comments...I think he's absolutely right...although the degree of adjustment depends on where you're coming from.
For me, my LT was the huge adjustment. I was used to a very quick throttle and clutch...my FJRs' throttles were not fly-by-wire but there was so much going on with the mapping that I think they behaved much like it. The off-idle throttle response was hair trigger, and so you either developed a "slow hand" or you would jerk yourself and the bike to death. The first time I got on the LT I thought I was driving a tractor! After a period of adjustment, I grew to truly love riding that bike and in fact it became my favorite tourer even for 1-up trips, for all of the reasons LT owners know so well.
When I first rode the GTL demo, I immediately felt like I was back at home.
I believe the issue that some have with driveline lash is due to lack of throttle control. When I say that, I don't mean to say that those who have difficulty are poor riders...but I think the degree of required smoothness with the throttle is just something that many have never experienced before. Maybe there are differences bike-to-bike...since I have ridden only two I can't really say...but that is my opinion in the lack of first-hand evidence to the contrary. To some degree, the adjustment hurdle can be mitigated by using the different throttle modes...I know that some guys ride in Rain most of the time. Again, for me, Dynamic feels "right" and that's the mode I use except where there are traction issues to contend with.
For me, all other factors aside, the huge win with this bike is the smoothness of the drivetrain when riding "at speed" all day. The lack of vibration and the abundant power in any gear at any time just make for an incomparable touring experience, for both the rider and the passenger.
