Hi John and welcome abaord.

You will get used to the height - stick with it and your riding style will naturally evolve to suit. Tall bike's always feel a bit weird to start with (as do low bikes for that matter!), it's all relative to what you came from. There are several XTZ owners that are 5'8" (and shorter) on here and get on just fine.

As for the turbulance; that is a much documented problem with the Z, but you'll find a million and one answers! Again, it is all to do with the rider's height (as you have sussed already) and other factors like seating position, helmet choice etc. For some (me included) a screen spoiler does the trick (Touratech, Aerotrim etc.), for others cutting the screen works, some swear by taller screens. Blocking some of the gap around the bottom yoke/tank area can help, as can fitting a handlebar bag or even spotlights. Basically you've just got to try things out and see what works for you...

A good tip is to get a pile of cardboard and gaffer tape and try various screen shapes/sizes, deflectors, appendages and wind jammers - it's free and you'll get a better idea what does it for you.

__________________