Try contacting Stoltec, i'm sure he will help. I must have talked to him a 1/2 dozen times when getting my son's FZ09 suspension sorted, he was very patient and helpful. Stoltec Moto 610-252-7232 M-F 10am to 5pm
Aim the light at a wall and check for even light distribution with a very clear cut off line. After installing mine I wasn't impressed and found the light output uneven. I had to play with the clocking of the bulbs and the adapter/retaining rings until I had an even, well defined light pattern...
A small to medium dent is usually not a big deal especially on either end or in the middle of the converter. However a larger dent ( or smaller for that matter ) located where the ceramic core material is could compromise it's integrity. It may start to break apart causing a rattling sound and...
I would give it another try and if it still doesn't start try starting it with the throttle held at 100% open. This puts the bike in the clear flood mode and lets it crank without firing the injectors.
The few times my 2014 ES had the hard starting issue this cleared it right up.
A XTZ-14S instead of the stock XTZ-12S (Yuasa) battery. Same battery case size but more cranking amps. I've done the same and very happy with the noticeable increase in cranking power.
Hopefully you used very little red Loctite. If the bolt don't want to break loose, a little heat will soften the bond of the red Loctite. I would try a soldering iron directly on the bolt for a few minutes. It should be enough heat with out melting the plastic of the coil.
Yes, that is the Madstad bracket and a larger touring windshield (parabellum ??). Premium side cases and some nice goodies on the 2012. As others have said you can't go wrong with either one and the miles are not an issue. I think they are a little high on the price compared to what others are...
Someone could have used locktite in the past on your set screw. Try a little heat on it ( heat gun or small torch ) it breaks the bond of the locktite.