Id suggest a new front tire and maybe an extended shifter. But that front tire would absolutely be an immediate change if you will be doing extended travels on anything but paved roads.. if you intend to keep the stock tire get a portable pump and drop the psi anytime off pavement... if its not something you will frequently think to do or easy enough to get out and operate the pump then just get a better tire.. most of us are leasure riders, we like to enjoy the ride and not having to focus intently on just steering the entire time, that tire has earned its deathwing nickname for a reason. We all get momentarily lazy and that tire just gives you no room for error.

For any long trips also plan on a high amp usb hub to charge all portables but high amp is also great for just quick charging your phone or gopros for any ride

 

Id suggest a new front tire and maybe an extended shifter. But that front tire would absolutely be an immediate change if you will be doing extended travels on anything but paved roads.. if you intend to keep the stock tire get a portable pump and drop the psi anytime off pavement... if its not something you will frequently think to do or easy enough to get out and operate the pump then just get a better tire.. most of us are leasure riders, we like to enjoy the ride and not having to focus intently on just steering the entire time, that tire has earned its deathwing nickname for a reason. We all get momentarily lazy and that tire just gives you no room for error.

For any long trips also plan on a high amp usb hub to charge all portables but high amp is also great for just quick charging your phone or gopros for any ride

Thank you for the tips. I did adjust the position (angle) of the shift lever and that seemed to be the ticket for me. Well, you got me looking up tires for several hours...everyone seems to love the Shinko SR241 so that's what I'll probably go with. I haven't had any issue with the deathwing so far but there is just too much evidence to deny and I don't feel like busting my body on some trail unintentionally.

Do you keep your usb hub in a tank bag and run a single circuit back to the battery?

 

Been my luck the last month. Every time I touch a bike it snows.

 

I feel ya! We had 1 week of 80 degree weather 3 weeks ago and since then it's stayed in the 30's and rained every day. But I think it's finally going to warm up this weekend....fingers crossed!