I had to buy without a test ride, too. I find that sitting on a bike for twenty minutes gives me a good feel for ergonomics. I'd ask a dealer to start the bike and let you rev it while sitting on it to get a feel for engine vibration. I know, it sucks to shop this way. I've taken a test ride at MotoPrimo in Minneapolis, though. I'd suggest them if it wasn't winter.
Maybe next spring you can go over to the Mall of America or something and stop at MotoPrimo, too.