Thanks for the suggestion of a chrome cover but, in addition to removing bits I'm also trying to 'de-bling' the bloody thing. I think someone at Yamaha management should periodically run into the styling department and throw cold water over them; the box of do-dads and gee-gaws I've removed from the bike grows by the week. Old jungle saying in design: when you thing you're about three-quarters done - you're finished; trouble is it doesn't translate in Japanese.

I've found a company here in Sydney that applies a very durable and good-looking, heat-resistant grey ceramic coating and I've used it on a few engine casing. Those along with black barrels make the bike a bit more understated and more to my liking.

So, as I am in the process of making my bike look more like a piece of serious machinery and less like Michael Jacksons dunny, I'll have to say no to the chrome guard guys

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