clarke

I didn't even look at the date of the replies, just saw it was an unread thread... hopefully it got sorted. A few forums I'vebeen on only let you post in certain sections until you have a certain number of posts.

If it is leaking then it's under warranty, Yamaha have to fix. Try another dealer if yours is rubbish (and tell Yamaha about the bad service)

1500 miles on a shock and it's knackered? Either you're one massive heffalump or the part has a manufacturing defect. My V Strom has 21,000 miles on the clock at least half of them two up, and it's still fine. I'd write to Yamaha customer services direct and ask them to replace the part free of charge.

Probably not good! Depends how much you put in. Might need to drain it.

My old 50cc was called bitch, as in "c'mon ya bitch" when it wouldn't start / or was struggling going up hill etc

Am with Captf but if you must, name it after your other half or 'nut buster'

The Honda Shadow VT125 has a wider front tyre and a better engine, although doesn't look as good as the XVS

Well done fella, I couldn't do that. Though I'm with up.yours with the tail, but each to their own

Fair enough. My V Strom shows GPS 35mph at an indicated 38mph, and a GPS 70 mph at an indicated 77mph. Things like speedohealers can give you an accurate reading and I think I read the Strom is about 7.?% out

Congratulations all round fella. You must all be over the moon

Ride did a section on covers a few months ago (April 15). Top ones were: (marked on water/heat/abrasion resistance/easy of use) fitting time after brackets Oxford Stormex £80 18/20 (5/5/5/3) 1:49 mins. Chain eyelets, front tab, vented, taped seamsOxford Aquatex £30 17/20 (5/5/2/5) 38 secs. Chain eyelets & front tabGear Gremlin Classic Neon £50-80 17/20 (4/5/4/4) chain eyelets, front tab, ventedOxford Rainex £55 15/20 (5/3/4/3) 62 secs chain eyelets, front tab, vents, taped seamsJDC Ultimate £30 15/20 (5/5/2/5) 62 secs, chain eyelets,vented, taped seams, lined. Says an update with better material coming soon but costs £8 more.

Manufacturers have to allow discrepancy in the speedo reading to allow for error - if you were doing 'actual 30' through a camera and got a speeding fine/points you'd sue them. Also changing tyre size/sprockets can alter speedo readings. My 2001 Fazer had a 120 tyre on the front when I bought it and the speedo was pretty much spot on to GPS speed (think the standard size was 110?)

Cars also run around 10% over actual speed. My Ludix Blaster would do an indicated 45-50mph on a flat with just the restriction removed. Wasn't as much fun going up steep hills though. Slowed to about 20 in a 50 and had the world's longest queue of cars behind me - rocking whilst shouting "c'mon ya bugger!" didn't help...

Not personally but when I had my 1300 Midnight Star I looked into fitting a 180 on the rear (standard = 170). In the US Metzler list the 180 as 'a stage 1 upgrade' but Metzler UK told me UK legislation meant they couldn't recommend this and I had to stick to a 170...

Rest in peace fella

Not sure to be honest. I'd guess the US guys would know best as they've had the Stryker for about 4 years now so any issues ought to have been uncovered by now. I thought Jack's mod just made it run richer at low speeds anyway?

Looking good

I've been using a mobius for about a year and a half now, all year round without a waterproof case. Good little camera for my daily commute. Battery only lasts about 80mins though think the new ones last longer + you can get a higher capacity battery for about £10. Got mine mounted to my helmet using GoPro mounts. Would recommend them, though I'm thinking of something that'll record a few hours worth for touring and using the Mobius mounted to the bike and plugged in.

There was a while on the V-Strom forum when Bikesure were really active until some members had issues with their policies then all went silent. Hopefully Lee will get back to you soon.

You should ask for compensation for the unnecessary stress and anxiety they've caused you...

I'm not sure. The only thing I can suggest is to see if you can google Mustang Seats for your bike and the one they're on to see if part numbers match. (Assuming you're too far away to go and see?)

I'd say live with it/slow down/change the tyre. Lots of motorway riding will cause cupping even if lots of tread left. What tyres have you got? They might be more prone than others or be generally crap. If it was my bike and putting me off riding/knocking confidence then I'd change for peace of mind.

They'll be really loud. Look like straight-thrus to me. MidnightPhil had some on his 1300 and they drowned everything out at Squires... If you're buying exhausts check out sscustomcycles in the US - great selection and good service

That does look good. Enjoy

Great looking bike. Loved my old Fazer - you'll have lots of fun on it