johan

that's interesting, I have the standard sprocket and only use 6th gear for high speed cruising. At legal speeds in the UK (70mph) I am typically in 5th. PS I enjoyed the cricket recently...

Too lazy to take pics now, but they are the normal KTM endurance bike hand guards. Cost something like £40 here. They were very simple and easy to fit, except I need to make some kind of adjustment as when I use the heated grips the throttle expands and needs more space. They don't seem to provide any more or less protection, but they reduced the width of the handle bars. I don't think any hand guards make a pretty design, but subjectively the simpler design is an improvement over the complex design and many elements of the originals. I think these were the ones: link

Very interested in this comment/ experience, johan, as my Bagster seat is currently winging its way to me. Care to elaborate? Just eyeballing my OE seat (set at the low level, but really either does, at only 15mm difference) the seat - from side on - doesn't appear to slope downwards/ forward much at all, and I'm certainly not unhappy at that part of its design. Does the Bagster have a much more pronounced downwards/ forwards slope? Do you find yourself sliding forwards under braking, etc? Also - is the Bagster seat able to be set into the alternative low/ high positions, as the OE? Will appreciate any other thoughts on it. [em]Wordsmith[/em] It's by no means bad, and certainly a real improvement over the original seat. I do find myself sliding back and forth more, and it could be because the material is more slippery, or even because I've used Nickwax to seal it. As I say, I notice it, but the seat is still more comfortable, so don't fear you should be happy with the purchase. Looking at the photos the Sargent seat does appear to be flatter and wider, and for that reason looks to me to be very comfortable. I'll wait for feedback.

Although I'm happy with Bagster I kind wish I'd waited. The Bagster is fine to sit on but it does slope down a little too much while the Sargent appears to be flat and also wider.

In this case it's not emissions restrictions, it's noise restrictions...

It's ok, we've all had our "soft soil" incidents at a local winery...

Thank you both. Trouble is - my body weight is feather-light (I'd kill to be a seven-stone weakling), and I foundin the past that pulling on the pillion handle just wants to move the bike forward rather than up! But the pvc tube works OK! [em]W[/em] I can spare you at least a couple of stone.

I started with the Touring Model. It really is effective at eliminating all noise and buffeting. But I found it very unpleasant having to look through the screen and in rather strong wind I felt it negatively affected the bike's stability. I replaced it with the Sport Touring (medium) one. It is somewhat better than the OEM screen. My advice is that you should not expect massive improvements from any screen. I'm 5'8".

SW Motech branding?

Would it not be easier to seek redress from the authority that failed to maintain the road?

Weight reduction being the most obvious. But I can easily shed 5kg or more from the ballast sitting on my Tracer, and that would be far more beneficial, to my health and the bike. The benefits in handling not to speak of...

Nice idea with the mudflap. Look at the forward end of the hugger, there is a cut-out that Yamaha seeming designed so that mud can pass through to the shock. Your flap will not stop that.

@pattonme, since here in the UK we can't use your service I'd appreciate some advice please; the popular options we get in the UK for upgrades are either Andreani or Ohlins cartridge kits, plus the Ohlins S46DR1 shock. Obviously Nitron's shocks are also available. I have heard that Nitron is also bringing out a cartridge kit. What is the difference between the standard Andreani and Ohlins cartridges (except price)? I appreciate that Ohlins is a quality product, but it seems to me the Nitron NTR R2 is better value for money - what is your opinion? I don't need remote preload adustment.

or not - removed due to a copyright breach OK, just search for Goncalves Dakar crash

The cure has been found, well not quite a cure, but the solution it seems is just to ignore it and carry on. A Honda rider demonstrates: link