Belt & Braces

Well, not exactly; on my trip last weekend I was aware of a persistant vibration, the feeling of a low growl, and experienced strange sympathetic whirrings when I was poodling through the Tunnel Terminal - I'd had similar on the X9500 - almost as if the belt was slipping although it wasn't.
I have also been inspecting the rear tyre more thoroughly than usual as it's the orginal and was looking rather smooth round the middle. The closer inspections revealed quite marked cupping, getting worse rather rapidly.

The belt officially has another 1500 miles or so left but we went to my dealer's in Ostend and discussed the problems with the excellent mechanic.
He didn't like the look of the tyre one little bit aand offered to change it there and then - there's one in stock - but we decided to have new belt and rollers so left the Silverwing with them.
The belt will arrive tomorrow so I'll have it back on Thursday in time for my trip over to London on Saturday.
I'd planned to have a new belt before the X9OC Anniversary Weekend, just in case - I shall probably do around 1500 miles altogether and would have been worrying.

I've no idea how much it will cost but what price peace of mind?

Mike, would you say the tyre was the result of your recent ride on UK roads?

In my few years riding, (compared to our John of course!!!) , I have never seen a 'cupped' tyre in the UK!!

Waspie wrote:

In my few years riding, (compared to our John of course!!!) , I have never seen a 'cupped' tyre in the UK!!

+1

I've just replaced both tyres and brake pads, not cheap, but as Mike says, what price peace of mind.

Doug, I had a similar problem with my first X9 although the particular type of Pirelli was noted for it.
The mechanic said it's caused mostly under braking when the tyre distorts; I wonder if I'm being heavier on the brakes because of the ABS.
It's done 15,000 miles over two-and-a-half years - not very much so I wonder if the tyre's aged rather than worn.

Because of my relatively low mileage I don't mind replacing consumables before the limit is reached.....and I trust my mechanic - he's a very good chap.

Peace of mind is worth all the spending of a bit of cash. What tyre are you having fitted.

My Silverwing goes in next week for a full service and replacement of both tyres. Decided to go for the Metzeler Feelfree Wintec tyres. So scoot will be all ready for the twisties in the Picos de Europa in June. The Picos suffers from short sharp showers so the additional grip of the Wintecs on wet roads should lead to a calmer ride.

Bought my tyres from mytyres.co.uk . Same price for the standard and the wintec tyres.

Cheers,

I'll have to wait until I get the bike back before knowing what's been put on it; I don't think they stock the cheapest, though.