Hi there,

I have just got back from 2 weeks in Morocco ( photos up shortly!...) and have nothing but praise for the bike, gave it hell but an absolutely outstanding platform and didn't fail me once...

Just a couple of things I've noticed since I've got back and would appreciate any knowledge around them...

(1) When I start the engine from cold it engages and fires as per usual but the starter motor now sounds, forgive the technical term, but alot more 'screamy' it is considerably louder, higher pitch and sounds like its wheezing. There is no delay in the engine firing up, same as always, and if I restart the engine after it has been running for a while it sounds like it did before I set off. I am not sure if its a problem or just a sign of ageing but the sound is quite distinct and definitely noticeable when firing up from the cold.

(2) It was serviced ( oil/filter change ) before I left, I did 4500 miles or so on the trip and the bike has now passed its 16,000 mile mark. Although no top up was required on the trip, I emptied out the oil breather hose during and after I got back, the oil level dropped considerably, I know there have been discussions on this before but is it normal for so much oil ( about 2/5 of the total ) to have bled into the breather hose?

(3) This is a much more pathetic request really, but the bike obviously took quite a beating on/off the piste and has some chunky scratches and rips to the tank decals ( its the white, speedblock tenere ). The traveller in me says war wounds and leave 'em but the mollycoddler says fix 'em. Does anyone know if its possible to get new tank decals via a dealer or even the name of someone who could restore them? And the best way of filling in small but deep tank scratches ( ie the particular colour code of the tank/paint) ? Makes me cringe slightly but then I like things to look their best!

Huge gratitude for any response, it was a hell of a trip, already decided I am going back next year, and one helluva bike, my respect for it knows no bounds.

Tom