Socket with extension to undo the dump plug, then bike on side stand with canister under... didn't even spill a drop. In fact there was a little spill from frame dump plug on to plate, but as it has some clearance i was able to wipe this off. I even lean the bike both sides to make sure all oil from the sump was off and that didn't make a mess.

And you are right.

Tried to destroy mine with a sledge hammer, jumping on it, driving a 2 1/2 ton 4x4 over it... Shows no sign of damage!

Yamaha belly pan and crash bars are good, unobtrusive and more than enough protection.

Because the wife loves me ive gone for the large touratech one with the tool box

IT'LL COST YA IN THE LONG RUN :smile[2]:

I haven't toll our lass about the

Sump guard
Brake ext
Gear shift
Light guard
Shorty levers
Kev mod
Big pegs
:newspaper:

i have the Yamaha one (the one that looks very simliar to the Aventure Spec one).

i do think the Aventure Spec one though is slightly better.

i know a few people who have the Yam one that has either broke or cracked near the rear mounting.

Also the adventure spec one covers more of the water pump. The sump guard curls round all the way and meets the bar...where as the yam one doesnt.

But....i still think the Yam one is good and has served me well.

That was the 'mark I'. The new ones have been manufactured in a different and stronger manner. I just wish they had done that with the engine bars.

Worth noting that the toolbox lid hits the LH header pipe and only opens about half way (design fault as it was originally intended for 990ADV) making it a bu99er to get anything in through the narrow opening - you'll see what I mean when you fit it! Might be worth thinking about my simple mod which makes the lid quick release enabling full access...

http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=16130

The sump guard is great and the toolbox handy; keeps the extra weight low and toward the front of the bike. Not watertight mind, so give your tools a rub down with an oily rag.

(Here is MkI version... http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=15985)

I had to read that three times... I'm such a child... <snigger>

:toot: You do have a canny ability to sniff out the double entendre! ;)