MCM, have you installed the ceramic clutch plate on yours? I picked up my GS recently, though other than fire-roads, I´ve not taken it off road yet. Been mostly riding around on the black-stuff. I don´t have too many miles on it yet, but I´ve notice chekcing the "correct" oil level is tricky, since it´s not what it appears to be. After an oil/filter change, I had to drain some of the oil out since I had over-filled it. Also, the darn oil filt is VERY difficult to remove! Had these issues? But, these are all "minor" issues and easily fixable...this is my sencond GS (1100GS was my first) and love it!!!