The bike is a 1999 T reg bike. Rear CCT changed about 4,000 miles ago Front one seemed fine at the time so didn't replace it. Full service 6,000 ago. Don't know when the front was changed but I have only had the bike for 6,000.
Was riding along at a sensible 45mph, no tapping or funny sounds (which I am constantly looking for, to the point of neuroticism) then, under no excessive load, there was a odd sound (sounded like a piece of fairing had fallen and got caught against the wheel). I put the clutch in straight away and coasted to a stop, no locking up, just freewheeled. When I stopped I tried to start it very briefly to hear the noise close up and it made a 'CLACKITY CLACKITY CLACKITY' enough to hear it was coming from the front and then waited for Mr Recovery chap.
Took the rocker cover off to see the Timing chain was not sitting on the teeth and that the valves were not where they should be supposed to be.
Honda valves are £30 ea and there are 4 per head. New chain is £75 and tensioner £35 so it all adds up (especially when you add labour oh, and VAT).
It is a pain but I think I may just get them replaced at every service just to be safe.
Still I'm sure I'll enjoy the tube journey to work each day for the few weeks, may make some friends instead of annoying people in their cars as I whizz pass them up to the front of the queue while not having to pay the congestion charge.......mmmm, think i'm missing the bike already.
