Hey Rick,
Thank you for measuring I had thought the Gel seat was the same height. They make the tall version for about 200 bucks. The Seat Concepts is 350, so I think I may stick with the suzuki.
No peg lowering kit, don't think i'll bother as it's got highway pegs.
I don't know about NEVA yet, it looks like no but I'd like to go down for at least one night. Ride down, have the dinner, campfire, drinks with you guys and then ride home the next day. I am saving up my vacation days this year for an east coast trip!