prepping for a tour advice required

[nick crisp]

What's the total mileage on the bike? Is it still on the original rear shock? Two-up with luggage is obviously no problems as long as the rear shock still has some life left in it, but if it's getting a bit tired (and original ones are pants) I'd change it. A Hagon's shock would do as a more budget option, or obviously there's the R6 shock conversion, Nitron etc if you wanted something a little better, and have the money to spare.