I gave up sports bikes after similar trips and a couple of mates getting killed. Had 3 years off then bought a Monster just to hack around on without being stupid, lasted 12 months on that then I had to come back to sports bike. Also got a supermoto which i ride majority of the time but I still enjoy the rush from riding the 999. Know what you mean about the japanese stuff, big V twins just seem to be able to drive offa the mid range power without spinning up or front going light both of which always slow me down when it happens
Its a long time since i did the 85, usually end up coming home via Avignon, Gap, Savine le lac then Briancon and either into italy or back to Grenoble via the deux alpes road with that big drop off the side.
enjoy your new toy you'll still want to do those trips though, then you'll miss the fairing and high cruising speed