Same thing here in Oregon as far as the rain goes. Not as tropical here but rain is rain. The tired old saying here is "if you don't like the Oregon weather, just wait 30 minutes and it will change". I often go out riding on a partly cloudy day, mostly white fluffy clouds and within a 30 minute ride it can be pouring down rain.
Haven't officially "washed" the bike and I have had it 2 months. The manual says you should not soak this area with a hose and be careful about that area, if your out in a rain storm everything is going to get soaked! I have wiped it down with a damp rag and waxed it.
It has been 10 years since my last bike too. I thought it was less than that but it's been that long. I will often be cruising along not thinking about anything in particular and the realization will pop into my head that I actually have a motorcycle again! I'm 54 now and I will never be without a bike again!
I agree with you on the tachometer. But everyone says that it is unnecessary. I don't care, I still want one.