Thanks for your responses. It seems like unless i go awimming stage 2 should be ok. not sure on how many crossings i'm planning on, but better to be on the safe side. plus i can always change it back, thanks to kevs mods!!! too easy..

renten, i agree suspension does lack a little, but i only find it to stugge on high speed whoops. i generally have been running pretty light in the bush. Low fuel. no panniers or boxes etc. so maybe that helps too. (and i love your bike too mate, i wish id have gotten the white. looks mad when its dirty.)

DirkZ, thanks. ill do some real looking this weekend and learn how deep i can go, then assess the stage 2. sounds like its a done deal.

I will let you know how i go.
Thanks again for the input.