Regarding spokes, due to the tubeless wheel design, powder coating process requires too much heat for the seals. Painting would wear. Rusting has been brought up by others but I have not noticed. If you keep your bike sheltered, wipe dry after being in rain and keep your dog from pissing on them, you should avoid rust. I wanted the dull black out look but realized that some small bits of chrome was a balanced look.

It must be tough waiting til January, will you have shipped or go thru a Dealer? Regarding modifications, take your time with each. The best are rear sprocket 35 (my 33 is extreme, I wish I did 35), battery improvement, jetting above 85, magnetic oil plug & handlebar/seat adjustment for your heigth and weight. Note most of us have an issue with neutral coming up to light. Holding the clutch in during the wait is a bitch. Hopefully it will break in to allow in the future. Fuel tank weld problems vary (causes fuel leaks), to be cautious don't torque down the bolts, use red lock tight.
Read the full post and you will be ready.