Bad day, coulda been worse

[NAKID]

So, after plugging my rear tire for the last 19k miles (got a nail dead center with 450 miles on the tire) I got a flat again yesterday on the way home. Luckily I was only about 2 miles away from GP Motorcycles in San Diego. So I limped it at 15mph on the shoulder til I got there.
The shop was very accomodating when I got in considering they were about to close in an hour. Rolled my bike up on the lift and started to get to work. That's when the tech noticed something wrong with my horizontal timing belt. It had a weird little groove in it. These belts were put on about 20K miles ago, they're the CA-Cycleworks Exact Fits. Upon further inspection, the double bearing tensioner was seized. Don't know how long it was like that, but damn that belt held up! I can't imagine what would have happened had the belt let go. I was 7 miles into my 78 mile trip home.
So, all bearing changed, new belts (Exact Fit again of course) and a new tire. I was on the road before they closed up for the day.

I can't say enough about this set of Pilot Road 2s I've been on. That rear had AT LEAST another 5k on it, maybe 10. The front still loks brand new with nearly 20K miles.

Despite spending $700 yesterday, I'm extremely greatful for the guys at GP who not only busted their ass to get the work done, but also worked with me on the price.

And a big shout out to Chris Kelley and CA-Cycleworks for making a far superior belt to the stockers at half the price!

[Skybarney]

You were okay with 700.00 on tires?  That's huge!  I can have the local Duc shop put on two new Rosso 2's and it comes out to about $380.00,  340.00 if I pull the wheels myself.  They match internet pricing on all items they sell.  I just replaced a rear for 180.00 out the door.

With the Rosso 2's I get 3500 miles out of the rear tire and twice that out of the front.  Thought about pilot roads for the next set as I will have to change both tires that round. 

I would never plug a tire past getting home......

[seanster]

i think 700 was tire, belt, and labor...

[memper]

i think 700 was tire, belt, and labor...

Bearings too.

[lawbreaker]

Lucky man indeed !

I had a tensioner pulley grenade on me a lil while back.. I credit quality belts for saving me from a more expensive repair !

I'm sure to change belts every 12k miles unless there's sign of wear/damage. I've heard to change every 12k miles or 2 years...whichever comes first

[NAKID]

i think 700 was tire, belt, and labor...

Bearings too.

Correct.

These belts had about 20k miles on them. The vertical belt looked and felt great. If it hadn't been for the seized bearing, it probably would have lasted another 20k over the same time frame (~10-11 months)

[koko64]

Its great to know the belts are tough enough to hang in there in the event of a bearing failure. It allows time for catching a problem during routine inspection before serious engine damage occurs and some safety margin if one exceeds the maintenance schedule.
Very reassuring.