Thanks for the metallurgy lesson Mr. UT. It appears that you have taken my post quite personally.

One thing I discovered when working for an American cruise ship corporation (newbuilding dept overseeing design and building of new ships) is that material cost plays quite an important role in material choice.

I, like many people, have to keep a keen eye on costs therefore steel will always be my preference. And I'm bloody thankfull Yamaha felt the same by giving the Tenere a steel frame.

450mm? When it comes to leverage my friend, "length" is your friend. I though most people appreciated that lever length and required force are inversely proportional.
Yes, my tyre levers live in the garage - because I'm only a courier so find it quite easy to plan ahead for tyre changes. However, I do now have a homemade tool tube which can carry them should I choose.




Oh yes - they also double up nicely as a drift to knock steering bearings out.

Each to their own indeed and if people have the money to spend on fancy stuff then I'm very happy for them.