In search of advice

[BigHungryJoe]

Hi,
I just put a deposit down on a red 2006 Raptor 650. I can't wait to ride it but before I take delivery, is there anything I can do to it before I start riding to help maintain its finish through road chippings and horrible english weather?
I don't have a car so I ride all through the year, and I'm worried about the paint getting damaged by salt and grit.
Also, are there any essential mods you guys would reccomend?
Cheers.

[steve996]

buy some acf 50 from m&p or mps etc.this stuff is ace at protecting ally,paintwork etc and also neutralizes road salt,it is also a brilliant back to black for plastics and stuff.i use it all the time as my 01 v-raps finish is rubbish.hangers engine casings,fork legs and chrome all need constant attention and acf 50 will protect just about anything including electrics,its also a good penatrating spray.also try to keep it dry-see ya

[BigHungryJoe]

Thanks very much, I'll give that a go.

[ozzy]

replace all the bolts for stainless ones.italian bolts instantly rust and look crap.but remember you cannot use stainless in stress critical areas.splash out on titanuim to replace those.

[ozzy]

also fitting a hugger will protect your mono shock, and personally i would recommend a bellypan.

[BigHungryJoe]

Thanks, will an SV bellypan and hugger fit? If not do you know where I can find ones that will?

[ozzy]

sv ones im told fit,but dont have the right lines if you have a v rap.look at my pics in chat.belly pan came from www.cabontek.com , forza italia have a nice range in both carbon and plastic.

[ozzy]

link dont seem to work,type it into brouser works fine.