I posted a while back about getting an XTR - I've had trouble selling my TDM so it hasn't happened yet, but I'm still working on it.

I have a couple of issues that are worrying me about the XTR though, and can't seem to find a good answer. I searched but came up blank.

I need my bike to be very reliable as I intend on going to some pretty remote places in Australia, often on my own. I know from comments here and elsewhere that the the XTR is as reliable as it gets (being Yamaha), but the exposed radiator worries me. No point having a reliable engine if I drop the bike in the back of beyond (which I will do) and hole a radiator on a rock.

Is there a solution to this? I want decent protection (engine bars) to protect the radiator from falls on the side, not just a mesh guard on the front. The bars I've seen don't seem to do much in that area. If I get an XTR I will fit high exhaust and bashplate immediately, which could complicate engine guard fitment. Has anyone made their own radiator protection in this same situation?

EDIT Somethig like these Hepco Becker bars for the XTZ would be what I am after (I assume they won't fit the XTR).


Second question - I've read a few comments about the XTR being nose heavy, and hard to wheelie. I've ridden smallish dirt bikes all my life (eg XR400), and it is essential to me that I can pick the front wheel up easily to get over logs, potholes, ruts, fallen riding mates etc. Can anyone comment on this in real life offroad situations (not just popping the front wheel up on the blacktop)?