I posted a response to this to several of the groups that Matthew included
in his original email, but excluded the Vanagon list due to an attachment
(pic) I included. I have also noticed the dust on the bike but much of it
comes off easily and I drive pretty slow on those kinds of roads anyway. The
big advantages (easy access, overhead clearance) outweigh the disadvantages
AFAIC/IMHO.

There are some pics at this link:
http://groups.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare/87westysyncro.msnw

... by the way, the spare tire is now stowed in the clamshell with some
mods to that to accommodate the larger wheel/tire set up.

Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro
"Passion Fruit"