Hi all!
I'd been thinking of making my adventure tourer purchase in the spring, with the Crosstourer being my favoured choice. But while reading reviews and surfing the web over a week ago I came across a dealer demo with 450kms selling for $15K instead of $21K. It's 11 months old, so I loose that warranty and rego period. But it's a Honda, it won't break right?! I drove a couple of hours north on the Saturday to check it out. It was in perfect order. I could not resist, so bought it there and then and brought it home. Woohoo! Got it up to 1150kms by Monday, and got the first service done Thursday. Love the torque, it handles beautifully. Suspension a bit firmer than I would prefer though, my girlfriend complained a bit, otherwise she found it very comfortable. You feel the potholes. My only disappointment was I wanted to test ride the XD, but I've been unable to find a dealer so far with a model here in Sydney. Got out yesterday and added another 400kms on a great ride. Got my first scrape. Left footpeg!
So now to kit it up. Here's where some advice would be appreciated.
So far purchased:
Received from Radguard (in 2 days!): Radiator guard (Second one I've bought from these guys, great quality, now installed. I didn't have to cut the plastic around the radiator. Bends a bit but fits fine on top of Radguard.), 90 degree valves, tank protector sticker.
Received motorradgarage.com.au (in 3 days): Engine guard (Really nice looking quality. Installed. Really solid and strong.), extenda fenda, $30 bike alarm (thought it was worth a try at that price). They said the Piramid Read Hugger is not available. Hope I can source one overseas.
Ordered from Honda: Center stand, deflector kit, heated grips.
Ordered from Givi: Crash bars (backorder, available late June). Not available here in Aus was the adjustible touring screen and the aluminium top box braket.
I've also ordered a GPS braket for my Zumo 660.
What remains are:
PANNIERS: Other than being integrated, I don't like the Honda ones. Especially that zipper. And they're really expensive. So I see my choices as:
Givi Trekker - I like the look of these. Only thing that bothers me is you need a padlock to secure the side bag brackets.
SW-Motech or Hepco & Becker XPlorer -
Anyone knows if the side brakets for these are secure? Any thoughts on any pros and cons of these different systems?I then need to decide what sizes. Do I keep the girlfriend happy and get the large saddle bags?
Are two 46L Givi side cases getting too big for example?TOURING SCREEN: I liked the look of the adjustable Givi screen, but it's not available here through Aus distributor. May be able to order it from overseas? I need to read/reread some of the comments on screens here to get a better idea what might be best. Maybe the Honda one would be fine. Wish it was adjustable though. I'm 190cms, 6'3". The standard screen hits me in the neck on the low setting, and mid helmet on the high setting, so fairly noisy at highway speed.
HEADLIGHT PROPECTOR: Does anyone make one of these? I contacted amhp.com.au who said they did not know when they would make one, it would depend on demand.
BARKBUSTERS.
Anything else I should get? :-) 
When I can post to the gallery I'll load some photos.
Now that I have the bash plate and radiator protector installed I'm keen to take it on a dirt road.
Here's one happy boy:
