So on Monday I took my SD to Fowlers in Bristol.

At 18,000 miles I felt it was due a valve check and adjust so I thought I'd give them a go. Booked it in and dropped it off at 9am with a printed list of all the little things that were different from standard so they knew what to watch out for. Stuff like removing the Scotts damper to get the tank up, the issue of the expanding tank, the Motohooligan airbox and "Not to throw away the filter", the way the quick-shifter wires to the coils etc. etc. Yes, basically I am paranoid that they will not put things back together right and I'll end up with problems that I never had before.

But the next day I picked up the bike and everything seemed fine. They had needed to shims and the quote for three hours work had in fact taken six. But they didn't charge me any more than three hours labour and also pointed out that my front wheel bearings needed to be replaced soon, (they are right) so well done for them to have spotted this whilst giving the bike a once-over.

Pleasantly surprised and the bike performed faultlessly the 150 miles home afterwards so no issues there.

One thing I have realised after years and years of A road and track riding and avoiding MWays. Commuting 150 miles each way to work twice a week on motorways doing rather fast speeds when possible doesn't bode will for soft Racetec tyres!

Jeez, after only six weeks, (so thats about 2000 miles) my fairly good tyre is useless. It has a massive flat section in the middle that is nearly bald and the outers are hardly touched. What a waste!

Need to try some better road based tyres. Was thinking of the new Metzler ones that replaced the M5s.

Try the Michelin Pilot Road 4 2ct!