You work with your hands mate. I think it's more concern than anything else. But I echo the sentiment. I bought myself a nice textile suit (Sedici Avventura) to be able to go traipsing about in adverse weather if I want to. (the car needs a $4000 transmission.) I need better cold weather gloves though.
I am not so much worried about the motorcyclists than I am the drivers around them.
You'll love the Versys 300X. The new ones have a 19 inch front tire that gives it marginally better off road chops without sacrificing on road ability.