i thought the bike was fine the way it is. keep the pipes, make sure you have outerwears on the pods, you could try water repellent. like the others said as long as your not flying through big/deep water you should be fine. imo banshees are not good in the mud or water. yes you can drive them through it if thats your thing but to each his own. i cross some water time to time and i have pods. i just go slowly through it. if you plan on flying through water like that get the airbox and take the lid off. jds customs may be able to make something for you to protect the pods. he would have a better answer then i would though. better suspension will be very beneficial to you especially on trails