biggles ,whats stopping u going abroad now? I preferred the old shape pan , and i dont know why they felt the need to change it ??? the honda lumps were (are) still the best in my opinion for touring my old cbr1000fj never ever let me down ,never skipped a beat or failed to run in really shite weather , i went over the alps on her and other lads had faster non tourer bikes and i still preferred mine (and lost em on the twisties) sold her to my bro in law as he was looking for a motor to come touring ,never again will i make that mistake ,broke my heart to see the condition he finally sold her inX( , misses wouldnt let me buy her back X( anyway nice to meet u mate lol sorry admin i know this isnt a bike forum ,get carried away sometimes lmao