I should get my XT660R 'Dakar' this weekend (for what the 'Dakar' version is, see: http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=5541)
I'm going to ride this bike around Syria for a month in April, and will need to change some stuff. I will not be doing any heavy duty offroading, I think it will be mostly dirt tracks with some no-track, but nothing extreme.
However, I've only ever ridden on tarmac. And not a lot either, as I only passed my driving test a month ago. So I could use some advice on what upgrades could be a good idea, or perhaps if some of the stuff I'm planning is a really bad idea.
Syria = leaded petrol, so I'll need exhausts without a cat. Most exhausts I come across seem to advertise that they're LOUD, which I don't want at all. A nice sound is always cool, but I have no desire to shatter eardrums.
I saw that the OTR 2-1 system is street legal in Germany, so that can't be too bad. I like the looks, and the extra ground clearance is never bad.
So for the exhaust:
OTR-SR 2in1 exhaust system, titanium (version without fitting for lambda sensor, as it does not like lead either)
I've already bought the tank Paul666 was selling to fill up the empty space where the second exhaust used to be
OTR 2in1 linkage pipe w/o catalytic converter
This gives me the option to replace the cat when I'm using the bike after my trip.

From what I understand from the posts in the tech section I need something to adjust fueling properly after changing exhausts, and a Power Commander is the best option. Should also help in case of surging:
Power Commander III
O2 Eliminator

Yamaha sumpguard is apparently not much good, and it's nice to use the extra ground clearance from the 2-1 pipes:
OTR Sump guard for 2in1

Centre stand that fits with that:
SW Motech centre stand

These are my basic upgrades. There are some things I have questions about though. Is it worth it getting a different air filter if I'm going to be riding around in the dust most of the time anyway? Does something like a DNA filter increase noise? The possible power increase does look nice...
I was thinking about removing the snorkel, and perhaps doing a Kev airbox mod, but perhaps this increases the chances of getting dust and sand in the airbox? (sorry if these are stupid questions, but the last time I did something with an engine was clean the spark plug on my Peugot moped... about 15 years ago)
Do different grips really help against vibrations? Any recomendations?
I'm a tad on the heavy side (120 kilos geared up), and will be carrying a maximum of about 40 kilos on top of that (this includes the rack and alu cases). Will the suspension be good enough? I'm not looking for racing perfomance here, I'll be taking it really easy. But I do want to make sure the suspension can at least handle the weight safely.
If you got this far, thanks for your patience in reading to the end! I realize these are a lot of questions, and I have spent quite some time reading all the posts on the forum to get the ideas I have now. I just want to make sure I'm not making some stupid mistakes before I hand over my cash.
Any suggestions are welcome!