I went yesterday and looked at new Harleys, I tried a Sportster and a Night Rod. Sat on a few others and compared prices. I wasn't comfortable on any of them. The seats were too stiff and narrow, the bikes felt way out of balance and the prices were much too high. I am not a Harley basher, but why would I want to purchase something I don't like? Maybe a couple to three thousand dollars would make it more comfortable, but I can get comfort right off the showroom floor with a Honda. Even the Yamaha Roadstar was hard on the rear end. The V Star was nice, but the Honda Shadow just fits. This will be a bike for either me or my wife and she felt the same after trying the Suzuki, Harley, Yamaha, and Honda. The Shadow Aero was the most comfortable and balanced with the 750 Spirit next and then Sportster, followed by the V Star 650. (I tried the 1100)

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It does sound like your mind is already made up. A motorcycle is for the most part,a pleasure car. The keyword being pleasure. Purchase the bike that makes you and your wife happy. I am pretty much a hard core Harley person and ride a Road King. I almost always have to modify something to make it fit me better, but I don't mind that because it makes my bike more personal to me. As for the other brands, they are all good quality Motorcycles and will serve you well. It also sounds to me like you really would rather own a Harley. I would suggest that you analyze every one of their many models, and keep in mind that the changing of a seat, handlebars, or raising and lowering the bike is reasonably affordable and makes a world of difference in the comfort and handling. Good luck, whatever your choice might be, and ride safe.
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I would state that since it is a big investment, that you should definitely get what you like and want. I don't know about the Honda's and the Suzuki's (or any other Japanese bike) but there are places that will rent you a harley for a day or two to check out. Personally, I like to ride the huge Touring bikes. I might even go for a goldwing on my next buy.
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Had a harley superglide for weekend test and it was yes breathtaking but it just had a heavy soul. I tried the Triumph Speedmaster and I’m absolutely sold on the twin. It sounds great, it handles well …for a cruiser….and ..for the money its got just that bit more in each department. It also has superior pillion seat than the Harley.

Have to say I love the Bonneville as well and for those wanting a fast no fuss modern retro this is the one for you…but the Speedmaster is truly special.

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are you two riding 2 up or are you getting two bikes? or maybe just splitting time between one bike? If you’re going the 2 up route you’ll want something a little larger than the 650 v star, the 1100 would work. Hard to knock a Honda, they just work. They don't excite you much but they always seem to work. Harley is ok if you’ve a wad of extra money you don't known what to do with. Those Victory's are sort of nice too but also pricey.
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Firm seats are more comfortable than soft seats ( as any biker knows ) As far as the rest of your bash, it's not worth answering. Buy a metric bike and putt on down the road. I'll stick with my very comfortable, very well balanced, very well handling, very well made 08 Street Glide.
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Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind. If you are not comfortable on the Harley, don't purchase one…..period. I will say one thing tho…..Don't be fooled by those Honda seats. I owned a VTX 1300 and that seat, on longer rides, gave me pains in my back……dunno exactly why, but it did.
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Sounds like you've made up your own mind. You’ve certainly done your shopping.

Buy the one that suits you best. I ride an HD Electra Glide and I'm very happy with it.

(although I do agree Harley is kinda pricey.)

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If you don't like it don't purchase it. But is it really necessary to prove your hypocrisy purchase saying you are not a Harley basher, when that is what you’re doing?
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Did you try the Fat Bob? Myself, I really like the feel, fit, and look of them. The Dyna family just seems to fit me, even though I'm a more massive guy.
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harley all the way for me.,,….been in the family of harley riders for over 500 years.
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whatever you do stay away from the 650 v star I’ve a bunch of em in my junk pile.
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Unfortunately Harley is very aware that most riders immediately alter their bikes to their own preferences. There’s probably a seat that you would find comfortable, but you'd have to ask at the dealer, what they’ve. Sportsters sit higher and have a different balance than the other Harleys. If seat height is an issue, and you can only afford a Sporty, then the Hugger or Nightster models might fit you. Also, the Lowrider sits low and would probably work. Anyway Honda, would be fine for a first bike, but won't have the resale value of a Harley. Good Luck and Ride Safe!
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I haven't known many bikes to be totally butt compatable right off the showroom floor. Nearly everyone I know of that put real miles on their bikes will change out the seats or have them reformed. Sitting on them and riding are two different things also. http://www.Motorcycleshows.com/ has a few different manufactures that allow demo rides for licensed bikers. Last year in our area was BMW, Victory, Harley, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Keep an eye out for it near you. Some Yamaha dealers do allow demo rides but only on certain models. But it does sound like you've got the Honda Rebel picked out. I've heard good things about it except that the 750 felt a little light at freeway speeds. They’re a good quality bike though. The wife and I both commute with V-star 1100s and she's only 5' tall. She does about 40 miles a day on her Custom with no complaints about her seat. I’ve the Classic and I need to change out my seat or have one made. But the feel of the ride on both is very nice. Once they’re moving they’re very forgiving bikes. If you do go with one of the Jap cruisers, I'd recomend just going with the larger engines. You'll get more use out of it IMO. I couldn't envision doing the speeds I do now on a 650 or 750 cruiser.

Of the cruisers I've ridden I really liked the Vulcan Nomad, Harley Roadglides and Streetglides, and the Yamaha Royal Star. Though the Royal Star is really underpowered and probably bigger than what you are looking at. I think Yamaha would do well to go to injection on more of their bikes. I'll be stepping up to a Roadglide eventually.

And if you haven't already, get into a motorcycle safety class. It'll save your tail.