Tony,
Those 'crash' bars reminded me that they where compulsory in SA and pretty useless at any speed over walking pace.
I found out when I T-boned a drunk vagrant who had wondered into the road during a Transvaal cloudburst, and I was tippy toeing as well speed wise.
The only time I rode without my race car full face Bell was the day I bought the bike, and then only because I just didn't feel happy with it on.
One thing the dealer didn't tell me was that the gearbox was sequential, so I floundered for a while before I somehow found out.
During one particularly spirited ride, changing up at maximun revs third to fourth I think, my left hand was jerked free from the grip due to acceleration forces, and in a LH sweeping bend, leaned well over.
Now that caught my attention somewhat!
Did have a good Robot 'dice' with an American muscle car, side by side all the way into top gear, before I had to turn off.
Ahh, the adrenaline days. Good memories.
Geoff – Got lost last night trying to find that effing pub! Useless SatNav!