>Tout had his mono shock snap (i think, or might have been Tasky) but a good wash down and remove the mudguard and wash the shock once a year will keep that at bay. It was mine and it snapped where the monoshock arm met the pivot part that holds the bearing, into which goes teh bolt that bolts it to the swingarm bracket. It was also the Ttaskmistress's bike that went the same way, along with several other local Drag riders. Cause was crap flining off the rear wheel, onto the part not covered by the rubber curtain, rusting the bearings solid.
Either way, it needed a whole new shock. If you ride all year round, I suggest checking once every month or two and regular strip-down, re-lube.
>they really don't like being run with no oil Yeah, this too!
After replacing the monoshock with a swanky Hagon one, mine eventually chewed a big end bearing, which ripped up the filter/O-ring and pissed all the oil out at (ahem) speed, down the A329M. That finally killed it.
Chrome parts can be polished up, but watch the inside of the chrome covers, especially areas like heat shields - Road crap gets up behind those all too easy.
Replace brake lines with braided ones. Prepare to replace control wire sleeves, as many go grey and brittle after too much sun. Always always always make sure the oil filter O-ring and the groove it sits in is meticulously clean when changing filters. Clean regularly.
Err... yeah, that's about it, I think. Nothing else above the usual. Look after it and it will look after you. 20K for £1.5k is a good deal, although the Custom model is always better!
Wicked bike, great fun, seen me through many adventures in all weathers.
If you're coming to this from a 125 Drag, all the better!! The power may take a bit of getting used to - You're only going from (IIRC) 12bhp to 40bhp, but that's still *more* than enough to get into trouble, especially at the lower rev end where all the torque is. It's also much easier to handle than the 125, with the weight planting you more solidly into corners. Do remember you still only have one front disc and one rear drum for the braking.
You'll notice fuel costs a bit more, but you can still expect 120 miles before reserve at a good 48mpg, when riding with enthusiasm. You'll also notice the speedo goes past 90mph and your neck muscles will get bigger!
First few times you go through tunnels, you MUST pull the clutch in and rev the fuck out of it, though - it's just the done thing!!
Ride safe!!