Hello troopers. Finally the bike has been purchased. For the first time in my life I own two motorcycles simultaneously: a Yamaha XT660X and and a Yamaha XT660R. The former is up for sale but the latter is most definately not. The XT660R, pictured, became my steed yesterday, Wednesday 9th April, care of Motorbiking in Dorset. It is hoped, at the very least, that this vehicle will propel me unhindered and problem free through 28000km of the America's finest asphalt and gravel. The idea is now to get the bike to Norway in early May, fit the Heidi Klum like panniers and test the whole set up this summer ready for departure.