Marc
Some comments below ...
1) Best thing fitted - Bark Busters - these take the brunt of any falls
Agreed ... haven't had to "test" mine much but they do seem strong enough ... I also fitted a Renthal Fatbar at the same time and have also been very happy with that as well
2) Locktite all bolts when servicing and before a ride. Its amazing how much vibration the bike has to endure and I lost a couple of important bolts.
Interesting ... can't say I've had much trouble in that area ... however I have fractured an exhaust mount
3) Really .. Really strap everything down tight and double strap and strap each layer. I lost my tool bag and rear bag (thankfully found them) but they managed to come loose
I'm a fan of both Andy Strapz and Rok Straps for that very reason
4) The XT handles a dunking in the water surprisingly well.. Dropped in in a river and a few deep pudles and it started up first time
So far I've managed to keep away from that test process but I'll take your word for it
5) I need to buy some crash bars...
I use the Hepco & Becker option and unfortunately can also confirm that they work bloody well when you manage to throw it down the road
6) Tyres used are/were Michelin T63's. Was really impressed with these and after riding 200km in the wet on dirt and bitumen.. I am much more comfortable to lean them over now.. :-)
My understanding is that the T63's are a similar tyre to the D606's that I've used previously ... but that the T63's are better onroad and the D606's a little more aggressive offroad
7) I used the stock screen but I think a bigger one would have been good
I have the bigger Yamaha OEM (Smoke) option ... it keeps a few more of the bugs and crap off you but it's not really a lot more protection
8) The XT doesnt really like long distances on the Tar..
So what you are saying is that you not a real BIG fan of that wonderful combination of vibey single coupled with the hum of knobbies on tar ... a bluetooth music link and tenacity can help ... our last trip was around 8,500 kms ... it doesn't really get any better with distance but you can kinda get used to it
9) I've gotta get a non paper filter its absolutely shagged.... need some advice here please
I've been using a DNA (cotton filter) replacement for sometime now ... kinda expensive but works well ... just use the proper DNA oiling kit
10) Side stand.. the pathetic little base doesnt go well in the mud.. have to get a bigger one
Hmmm ... there's not a lot of options out there for the R ... I've tried the OTR one and wasn't too happy with it ... at the moment when riding offroad I carry a piece of scrap timber as well as my old trusty cut down cricket stump that I use to prop the rear end up when required
Hope this might be of some use ...
I'm over Hallam way so not too far from you ...