I've nothing to add to most of your questions as you've gotten lots of good feedback. I will add a thought on the passenger question though.
The bike can definitely be ridden 2 up for short distances -- it is just a little cramped and the pillon seat is like an ironing board. Not bad for a run around town but not good for a pleasure cruise. If you are hoping it is a way for your wife to get into and enjoy riding, it probably won't be.
My hubbie has a Triumph Thunderbird and riding on the back of his bike was why I ended up getting my own bike, the Savage. When I first got my bike (after taking the MSF course), I wanted to practice in safe places before heading out on the open road. The way we accomplished that was that the hubbie would take me places on the bike (him driving, me passenger) so I could practice.
The difference in riding on the pillon on the Thunderbird vs. the Savage is dramatic in terms of comfort and space. If he had had a Savage as his bike, I wouldn't have enjoyed being a passenger as much.
Regarding upgrading the seat, I think what the guys are trying to say is that it can be upgraded but it won't fix the overall fundamentals that this is a much smaller bike and isn't great for 2 up riding. In the end, it just depends on how much you want to do and how interested your wife is. We aren't trying to discourage you -- we just want to make sure you understand the realities of the bike.
Good luck! If you decide on the Savage, please come back and tell us all about it!
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