Multiple road trips on my Honda CBR650R and its regular maintenance

I also purchased a Shark Race R Pro G 06 helmet. Since it's a race-fit model, it feels tighter than most other helmets.

BHPian vinbex recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

It has been a while since I made a trip with the CBR. Though I had been doing some local runs, the running was clearly low owing to the monsoons and extremely poor conditions of the roads here (Thrissur). Also, my ride partner was unavailable. Now that both have become available/better, we headed off to Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore on Sunday. My partner in crime came in his trusted steed, CBR250R.

Started at around 6am and our plan was to reach by 9am with breakfast on the way. A total distance of 130km one way. The highways from Thrissur to Palakkad are excellent, but the speed cameras are quite frequent. Had breakfast at Saravana Bhavan, Kanjikode. But once, you turn into the Coimbatore stretch and then further into Perur side, the roads are terrible again.

Potholes and uneven patchwork all over with people, cows and dogs wandering freely and on top of that, rumble strips every now and then. The last bit made it tiring. But the weather was pleasant with slight drizzle and cool wind.

Figuring out the route

Once we reached the place, paid a parking fee of Rs. 10/- and we left our bikes unattended. Was worrisome, but there was no other way. It was nice and windy there but crowded. Breathtaking views all around and the ambience was surreal. We did not have plans to see the place entirely, hence just visited the Shiva statue and started the return at 10.30am.

We took the same route back, which was pathetic coupled with the humid Sun making it a bit of an effort, but once we hit the highways, it was absolute fun.

Rode the CBR 250R for some distance just to see how it is and boy it rides so well even now, after almost 15 years. No wonder, he is very keen on keeping it. A total trip of around 260kms covered.

Some pictures from the ride

Had purchased a Shark Race R Pro G 06 helmet and this was also a good chance to test it out. I was skeptical about the size because it felt too tight when I first tried it on, but all reviewers had mentioned it is a race-fit helmet and it feels tighter than most other helmets. I had been wearing it at home, just to get used to it before wearing it on the ride and it had gotten better. But this was the actual litmus test. It felt comfortable and the vents were working really well. I no longer had the feeling of tightness, but it is snug. The vision is clear and I have no issues with turning the head or anything. Wind noise is quite low and it feels like you are in a bubble.

The only issue I felt was, that since I wear spectacles, my ear started to hurt towards the end of the ride. Have to figure out how to manage that. Otherwise, the helmet has passed the test. The helmet comes in a nice carry bag and an optional dark visor which is literally dark. it also some some race features like a race flap, neck curtain etc.

Some pics of the new helmet.

It has been 6 months and 2500kms since the last service and I thought why not get it serviced, to avoid a lapse in warranty? All the major work had already been carried out by Sanjay from Fmotors back in May, hence this was just an oil and oil filter change. I rode down to Kochi to get this done, a distance of 80kms on the way. It was a smooth experience at Big Wing Topline Kochi, the only one in Kerala. The 42000km service has replacement of oil and filter and the rest are general checkups as per the manual. ASC quoted around 8.5k for this which I declined politely and asked them to carry out just the oil and filter change which came upto around 4.5k including chain cleaning and lube.

Had felt vibes creeping in at around 5500rpms on the tank and pegs during the ride which has eased out after the service. The ride back was smooth and now I have to wash the bike over the weekend as it has gotten dirty owing to the drizzle and dirt from the rides. A total of around 450kms this month is a good running. Meanwhile, a nail got stuck onto my rear tyre and I was heartbroken it's a brand new tyre, but luckily it was on the surface and the was no puncture.

The aftermarket seat cowl has started rubbing against the tail panel and creating a mark. just thinking if I should switch back to the seat (makes the scratch visible) or let it be.

Some pics from the Kochi trip and random shots

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