KanonDonkie

I'm asserting that we, as cyclists, are chumps because we are willing to pay far more to keep a bicycle on the road than a high performance motorcycle. I see bicycle mechanics with top of the range bicycles and expensive cars flitting off to races in exotic destinations. I cannot say the same for the humble motorcycle mechanic. I look at what i get charged when I take my bicycle for a service and have to inevitably replace the chain and BB bearings because it has already done 3000km and is so worn it can damage other stuff and I cringe. I am astounded at the piss-poor quality of the equipment that we are offered and the astonishing prices. I no longer care about my LBS as I'm tired of getting ripped of. I'm slowly aquiring knowledge and tools and am doing more myself. I also have no pain importing because I am abe to get what I want at 1/2 to 2/3 what the LBS and megastores sell for (although I have to wait 5 days). And, suprise, suprise, when i do it myself the stuff lasts longer.

By comparrison, I also ride a Honda CBR600 and had the front suspension recently seviced (after 85000km). Total cost from Honda incliding parts and labour came to R1500. That's new seals, oil, etc. All performed by a factory trained mechanic. I maintain that our LBS are ripping us a new one every time we walk in there. Sometimes it's disgusting at what we're expected to pay when we compare component prices to Europe and the US.

Any truth in the rumour that Hayden is off to WSBK?