Many 1800's exhibit the 'surge', but not all...mine never did. There is a reset procedure that sometimes clears it up, (but not always) that you can do yourself. Start the bike cold and let it idle until the fans come on. Then shut the bike off for a bit, and restart. This should reset the ECU (which is likely what the dealer did). Don't rev or ride the bike during the process either. sometimes the surge goes away after some build up of miles (like the first oil change) but it has been known to last longer, and I've heard (we have a European member that's had a horrible time with his) that it can be as much as 1000 rpm fluctuations for long periods of time but it's actually rare for it to be that radical. In speaking with Honda Canada factory techs, they are still searching for a cause and cure to no avail yet. As to the transission 'growl' GL tannies are noisy, and so are the alternators. I'm used to most of the sounds a Wing eminates and I don't notice them as being obtrusive. Chopin has gone to different wieght oil (which is ok if you stay within the guidlines of the manual) and I run Amsoil synthetic and am very pleased with the results. But if your transmission gives off untoward vibrations or gear clashing/grinding (not the infamous 1st to 2nd 'clunk'), that's a whole different ball game and time for a check-up. If you are concerned, definitely see you dealer and explain things to your service manager. Be firm in your explaination, but be sensible. You want this guy on your side, not Honda's. Sorry I can't be of more help.