Hi ya and welcome! I havent been on for a while but saw your post.
I ride a 748 that has had the suspension lowered front and back. As far as I'm aware it hasn't altered the handling I have great fun on her.
I am 5'2" and 8 stone and dont find any probs riding, I do watch where I park tho, just in case. I ride with a lot of Milles and they are all great guys and help out if needed with sarcasm at all.
If you haven't ridden for a while maybe a good idea to get a 600 monster first to get back into it.
Most of all have fun riding the dukes are ace!!!!