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WeaveMcQuilt · # 3 01-12-15, 21:25

Hey Jonny,

It appears you've got yourself the second best colour of Ten, next to black of course!

I found that right around 20,000 miles, that engine got a lot nicer. I don't know what it is, but treat it right and it will look after you.
In my own experience, here's how I made my bike (and myself) happy:

Regular servicing, use quality consumables. Motul semi-synth oil, NGK sparks, EBC pads. The money saved on cheap ****e just isn't worth it.

Grease those bearings yourself, that means strip down your suspension and get those bearings cleaned and greased.
Also do your steering head and wheel bearings while you're at it. Trust me, it's worth it. I bought brand new wheel bearings for the whole bike, greased them myself and got the shop to fit them.
The suspension, I did myself and I'm not a mechanic. Just followed the excellent guide here:

Changed the front fork springs for Hyperpro and added 25mm risers which made standing up a lot more bearable.

At 20,000 miles, I would change the chain, even if it doesn't look knackered. A DID X-ring will set you back �90. Might as well change the sprockets at the same time, don't go for anything but steel sprockets. JT front and SuperSprox rear.

Change your brake lines and fluid every 3 years, probably due for you.

You're taking weight off the back, 8kg standard exhaust to a 1.5kg Exan, so you can afford to add some weight down low. Get a bash plate. My bike has gone down a few times and always ended up scratching my AdventureSpec bashplate. That would be engine casing and water pump without the protection. Get one.

For a smoother ride, get yourself Kev's O2 sensor eliminator. Don't ask why, just get one. No clutch for roundabouts, no chugging, no stalling in second, twist and go. Almost the best bit of money I spent on that bike, apart from the bike itself.

For someone who rides a lot (45,000 miles in 2.5 years) I can tell you the two things that made me really happy.
Givi clip-on screen extender - Wind noise and resistance in my face has really disappeared and my neck is thanking me.
Touratech seat - A wider flatter saddle stops you from the numb bum that I used to suffer on 100 mile+ days. I usually have to ride at least 100 miles every Sunday for work and it's much more comfortable. Saved my arse riding every day, 9000 miles round Europe this summer.

Just get playing with it, it's a really simple bike to work on, learn all you can and do as much yourself as you can.
Of course, all my views are my own, and bikes are subjective, but I learned a lot from other members of this forum who I'm sure will be along shortly to give you more ideas.

Have fun!
Steve.