I've also removed the AIS and concur with everything said about it so far. I'm sure that it does contribute something to reducing percentage of undesirable emissions, but since the MOT doesn't include an exhaust gas check, bin it! Looks neater, sheds a few pounds weight, and makes plug removal so much easier.

If you're unsure about the effect that lowering the forks is having, go back to standard and start again. You didn't say, for instance, how the rest of the suspension is dialled in. Dropping the forks 5-6mm speeds the steering up but shouldn't make the bike feel twitchy or unstable on turn-in. And what about tyres and tyre pressures?

Cheers,

Mike