This info is all great, cheers.

I'm on the train down to Yuxi now to check out the bike and most likely order one of my own. Does any one know what the deal is with registering a bike in a different city to the one you live in? Prince from what you've said this shouldn't be an issue.. I spoke to the shop last night, the lady seemed to be trying to fob the job off onto me, she said it's very easy, just need to go to the Vehicle Management Office back here in Kunming with a few documents. I don't believe a word of it though, I'm going to make it a strict condition of purchase that they either register for me in Yuxi or find a way of helping me register in Kunming.

I'll check out the back shock today, what's the consensus on the one biker doc posted? Thanks for all those links doc, will come in handy after the purchase, appreciated. Ill also check out the motorcycle accessories markets, there's at least two large ones in Kunming that I know of. Does anyone use 牛摩网 for purchases?

Modron my girlfriend is about 170cm but I guess that shouldn't make too much difference. I read your posts about your big China trip, where did you pick up those luggage boxes that made it safely through the river? From the pics tho maybe they were a bit large for two up, have you since changed them to the one you posted or is it the same?

Prince those eBay shocks look good but definitely pricey, I'm sure there must be a half-decent option on the Chinese market. Cheers for those rain cover recommendations, you don't find them a pain to ride with? Not the coolest look but I'll take that over water-filled boots any day haa

Will report back after today's outing, have yourselves all a fabulous weekend