End result is the cylinder is salvageable and only a piston kit and gaskets are needed. After some debate, we have compromised and I will cover parts, the shop labour. Life is short, move on... When I get the Terra back we will be parting company, I don't think I will ever trust it for outback travels.
Picked up my bike today and rode it 200km home. Great to be back on a bike again after 6mths without one. It's a great ride, I just need to be able to trust it. I'll trial it for a couple of months and if it doesn't blow up it might be time to kit her up with a safari tank and steering damper. If not, then it might be a perfect excuse to buy an African Twin. Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions, genuinely appreciated...
You have to ask yourself how it can take so long to drop the motor & change pistons, rings & gasketts????
