purdo

yeah, save ya dollars, ride the wheels off the older model and not be so worried about no cruise control, buy a plastic clamp for the throttle on long stretches to get feeling back in your hand. as for the swingarm, sure a longer one is better but the old one doesnt cause the death wobbles either.

or make your own rack that is suited to carry all the gear you need for big rides.

l love going in comfort so l welded up a larger rear rack that take beds, coolers, cooking gear, tent, bedding etc oh and a pressure shower (best camping gizmo going because you can hide down beside your bike and tub up, oh and rince pots and plates off too). Last years ride to Phillip Island was via Ayers Rock so gear is needed and a good cooler for ice cold beer is a must.. you gotta be comfy when you strike different weather patterns. Thats why swags and hammocks don't cut it when its pissing down or blowing a wet gale. l had to remove the factory rear indicator and plate holder because it was shaking cracks in my licence plate and simply made a more solid bracket which is more tucked away better.

Assess the roads you ride on, if its all tarred surface then most road tyre treads and compositions are much of a muchness but if you think dirt or mud might come into it then the profile count heaps, especially mud. l find the prill shaped stones in the Australian snowy mountains can be a challenge fully loaded so caution is required with braking but out in central Australia its a dusty rock mix but add water and it becomes as greasey as a butchers prick so a little tyre grooving is required.. with cuts across the centre surface to assist with paddling when its really slippery. Sometimes l found it easier to go engine off on the downhills so l can get both feet on the ground and use front brake and engaged gear clutch to control both wheels. Thats why l ride light Tracers compared to my harley riding days.

l use battlax A41R 10/90 tyres because not all roads are tarred where l live and where l ride. They have great grip and last well