The smells and the air!!! That's the two biggest things I miss when in a car or truck. But you're right, it's like connecting with everything outside. Being on the bike lets you connect with so many things that are invisible in a car. I will ride Spring, Fall and Winter but i limit Summer riding... You said asphalt and i cringed, lol. I will, but try not to ride much above 98degrees, and in Texas that can leave a lot of non riding days! That's why i say "try" because If it goes too long i just throw on the mesh and suck it up. Not say bad moving, but get stuck in traffic and that asphalt becomes an oven.
I rode a 750 GSXR back in the late 80's. That bike has been around a long time but I bet you really loved that 1300, especially bored and stroked. Funny enough the Wing has a lot of Tupperware but underneath it's a pretty sporty geometry and a huge engine, 1832cc. At 119hp and 123lbs of torque she's capable of getting out of the way of her shadow too, lol. I once pulled a wheelie through first on a bet... $50 sais she couldn't do it. I actually walked second a bit and sat it down. It was ok, but there you knew you had more than a sport bike in the air.
Yea I can see that for DC. I got rid of mine after a while in Houston. Just didn't have the good places to ride. Then I moved to the hill country and knew i needed to start riding again.
Joe