Hi all

Just completed a gruelling 5 day NSW offroad trip on the XTR

All together we covered 1500km with about 80% offroad

Conditions were hot to miserable cold and WET...

My XTR performed well but here are my observations:

1) Best thing fitted - Bark Busters - these take the brunt of any falls

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.

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

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

5) I need to buy some crash bars...

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.. :-)

7) I used the stock screen but I think a bigger one would have been good

8) The XT doesnt really like long distances on the Tar..

9) Ive gotta get a non paper filter its absolutely shagged.... need some advice here please

10) Side stand.. the pathetic little base doesnt go well in the mud.. have to get a bigger one

More to come...

Marc