Just as an update, this is done...
I took it to work and suspended it from a forklift in the shop just before Christmas!
I was right to be worried, it turned into a bit of a pig of a job. The bearings were trashed in the suspension rocker (not something I knew I should be keeping an eye on.), once out, it turned out that I had a faulty rocker anyway, the central hole necks down in the middle, and mine was cast off centre!!!
It wasn't by much, but it put pressure on the bearings, which is probably what trashed them in the first place.
E-Bay and motorcycle breakers solved that problem with a new rocker that frankly looked almost brand new with perfect bearings still in it!
Unfortunately, once all back together, it turned out that my rear shock has failed..!
So, as a bonus question: Would I be better off:
a/ Getting mine reconditioned (assuming it's possible)?
b/ Getting a replacement from E-Bay?
c/ Buying an aftermarket shock?
I'm currently leaning towards 'b' AND then later 'a', which will give me a spare...
Thoughts?
P.S.
WOW!!! EIGHT months later!
I like the V-Strom, but man, I miss my Thunderace, this needs sorting out soon for the good weather! lol
I think I'm gonna run the V-Strom over winters and the Ace for the nice months from now on...