I'm Matt from Bristol and about to get myself a 749/999s not sure which one yet tho hope to speak soon .
Get the 999 whatever anyone says. You'll be changing gear all day on a 749. If you like changing gear, I suppose that's fine, but if you're on a long trip, it just becomes a pain in the arse after a while. Good choice of bike in any case. The black ones look meaner. Welcome.