The omnipresent debate
Fact is: to do the visual inspection properly, its required to get access to it. At the amount of parts removed and time involved to do so, one can already replace the thing there.
Not true,,, the visual inspection requires a pretty minimum removal of plastic. Some left side tupperware then the timing puller cover on that side. No need to remove the radiator, etc. Put the bike in fifth gear and turn the motor over using the back wheel and ya don't even need to get to the big bolt on the front of the crank.
Given the possibility of a belt and/or water pump failure I understand doing both. But so many bikes have gone past the recommended mileages it seems a waste to me. BTW, the used belt
and used water pump in STick are out of a 91, so both are over 20 years old. She's getting duty for my spring trip 'cause I wanna get 200,000 of my own miles on her. Only 22,000 to go. Lots of folks have talked about the age of the belt being an issue or concern but I don't see it. (Now I've jinxed myself.
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