That's a real drag you can't ride anymore. I'm not sure I'd follow doctor's orders, but that's just me. I'll never give up riding as long as I'm breathing. I'd figure something out, even if I had to go to a trike.
That being said, if you're not using it, I'd make the trade. Maybe you can teach your wife to drive a standard, I know when I taught my wife (also my best friend) to ride a motorcycle it was a great bonding experience between the two of us. I bet if you taught her how to dump the clutch and light up the tires she might like a standard a little better.
By the way, thank you for going to Iraq for us, I for one really appreciate what you folks do for us.