I'm sort-of committed to getting a CT; I test-rode one recently and I'm ready to press the button for selling my 2011 Vara and taking a mortgage out for a second-hand CT.
What really appeals is the drive-shaft, and in general, you know that's going to add another grand or 2.
I'm 11 stone wet-through, and the Vara has always felt a little more than I can handle at a stand-still and very low speeds.
Don't get me wrong, I could't fault the Vara on anything once I got it kitted out; MRA screen, hand-shields, heated grips.
Maintenance is minimal, I ride it throughout the year and riding even in gale force wasn't an issue and it feels like it sticks to the road like glue. It's size / height made me feel safer also (due to increased visibility).
On the CT test, what was obvious was smoothness and the fact that at high-speed - you just don't know you're travelling at high-speed. If you can imagine doing 120 mph on the CT and it feels like 80 mph on the Vara - you got it.
It feels lighter and the centre of gravity feels lower (don't know if either is a physical fact) and it feels much more reactive.
I am getting a niggling feeling that I may regret it, but as Vara production has stopped - I feel like I've got to bite the bullet some time.
I've only been riding for a few years, but it seems that everyone has their 'all-time' faves; I'm pretty sure that the Vara will be mine.
I paid £6k for my Vara 18 months ago, and can get £6k for it now (albeit with various add-ons). I can only hope that the CT can hold it's price just as well.