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Motorcycle Entropy
Blog Date - 16 March 2017
Why oh why oh why oh why oh why...do things have to wear out? Entropy entropy they've all got it entropy.
The CB500X now has 9,300 miles on the clock and the front tyre is ready for replacement. Yes, that's right...the FRONT tyre. Every experienced motorcyclist knows that a front tyre lasts *roughly* twice as long as the rear. Well the rear on the 500 is still going strong it's the front that's getting thin.
This could be due to 2 reasons as far as I can work out. Either/Or the 500 has a very front heavy bias and/or the Dunlop Trailwing D609 fronts are a lot softer than the rears. I have considered it could be my riding style but as like most other motorcyclists I have always worn rears out quicker than fronts I can't see what I'm doing differently on the 500. I shall not be fitting another D609 so I shall watch closely to see how the Continental ContiMotion wears.
Take old tyre off - fit new one - wear it out - repeat...
I ought not to complain. I used to go through a costly rear Avon Storm every 6k on my Fazer 600 so the fact that the front on the 500 has lasted 9k and the rear seems to be immortal comes as a most welcome surprise to me. The ContiMotion replacement is reasonably priced and comes with a recommendation from Mr Latchford who uses them on his Street Triples and he rides quicker than I do. Hopefully Mr Latchford will be assisting me with fitting the new tyre as well. I can do it - sort of - it's just nice to have someone hold my hand.
Latchy's place sometimes looks like a tyre shop.
Well as if having to purchase new rubber is not stressful enough the blasted CBF125 goes and snaps its speedo cable! I mean really, come on Honda, this cable has only lasted 61,000 miles, PFFFFT! In a fit of pique I refused to pay Honda's extortional price of about £15 for a new one and instead spent £6.99 for an aftermarket item. I sure hope THIS one lasts for at least 100,000 miles.
Oh and one last thing. What is it with petrol? I filled the tank on the 125 last week and some 330 miles later it is getting towards being empty again. Why is this? How quickly should I expect my petrol to wear out? Do I have a leak somewhere? Is it being stolen when I'm not with the bike? Is there a problem with the engine?
Don't get me started on the other bits that wear out.
What wears out on your bike that drives you mad? Is it a conspiracy or just a fact of life? Please feel free to post your considerations in the comments or even contribute a whole article on the matter. Click Here.
Reader's Comments
Pocketpete said :-
Tighter than a camels bump in a sandstorm.
16/03/2017 11:58:21 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Thanks Pocketpete.
16/03/2017 13:02:45 UTC
CrazyFrog said :-
I have to say that the pesky oil tank on my MZ keeps getting low, and I have to keep topping it up. Damn nuisance. And while I'm at it, where has the air gone out of the tyres on my 'best' bike which has been resting quietly in the garage over the winter? Grrrrr
16/03/2017 15:08:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Damn right CrazyFrog! I've been told that these things are "consumables" whatever that means. Sounds like a government conspiracy, a marketing ploy and a means by which the rich get richer and the poor get less.
FOOD! I eat a pie and that's it I'm all full up and happy. Lo and behold several hours later I want some chocolate. When I got to bed at night I'm fine then I wake up in the morning and I'm starving.
is it me?
16/03/2017 15:20:25 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Well the new tyre has arrived along with the replacement speedo drive cable. I guess I'll go fit the speedo cable now and then I'll go see me owd mukker Latchy in the morrow to fit the new rubber thingy.
Wish me luck...
17/03/2017 12:21:10 UTC
CrazyFrog said :-
You fit tubeless tyres yourself? I'd be interested to hear how you get on and any hints or tips you have....
17/03/2017 14:57:13 UTC
Ian Soady said :-
Come round & I'll show you Pete.....
17/03/2017 16:27:07 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
CrazyFrog I've been promising myself and the readers a how to for ages and it keeps on slipping through my fingers. I've let myself down, my friends down and the internet down.
I feel like a naughty child at a party popping all the balloons.
I promise I'll try harder. I won't promise I'll succeed.
17/03/2017 22:46:00 UTC
Doug said :-
I seem to be wearing out weekends. I've gotten through a dozen of them so far this year with very little to show for it.
17/03/2017 23:15:38 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Oh Doug you're speaking my language. I remember when I wur a lad...and now I'm not! Someone seems to be stealing my youth, my good looks and my sexy slim body. I'm being left with a worn out wreck that hurts if I use it wrong and wobbly bits around the middle.
And all I have to show for 45 years is a scruffy house and a couple of motorcycles.
Ya know what, wouldn't have it any other way :-)
17/03/2017 23:36:57 UTC
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