100,000th Kilometers Of Travel

While riding my motorcycle, I can't help but notice my odometer was already reaching its limit in figures or maximum reading.  So when the meter reached the 99,999 kilometers mark, I stopped and took a pic of it. And I took another shot as it was about to rollover back to zero again.  I wouldn't miss that milestone, since I heard, some motorcycles' odometers become defective before reaching such figure.  More, it meant that I already traveled a hundred thousand colorful kilometer experience with my motorcycle.

100,000 kilometers, that's just like circling the earth 2.5 times with my bike.  Well, the farthest I've been so far were Valencia City in Bukidnon, Aguacan resort in Maragusan, Toyozu resort in Nabuntutan, and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.  But what mostly consist of my mileage were my daily long distance travels to work.  Whew... I already rode that much?  No wonder my back is aching already.

It was a rain and shine, smooth and rough, funny and painful travel experience for a couple of years now.  I met many accidents along the road, just glad a lot of them did not include me.  For those that did, I thank the Lord that they were just minor accidents.  Nearly forgot, except one, when I collided with a person driving a bicycle.  He suddenly turned left... I stepped and gripped on my brakes, so I was thrown to him... He lost consciousness, nearly lost mine... And we're both brought to the hospital... Long story to detail... Just glad we're both fine... Thank God.

Just had my bike repainted, not in the plan, met an accident, and the insurance covered it... many thanks for that.  My odometer had a new start again and begun to roll as I continue in my travels.  My prayer is that He protects me from the troubles in my way and He gives me the presence of mind and sense of precaution that others might be protected as well.  May Yahweh always bless our way.

Motorcycle Headaches

I've been bugged this week by the constant breakdowns of my motorcycle, within just few days of interval, I already incurred a lot of expenses.  My bike will almost be 8 years now, that maybe the cause.  Just a few days ago, I had it checked  by a mechanic friend since I noticed it had a slight swing to the side which I find it hard in driving especially when the road's muddy in my place of work. He found out that the problem was in my bike's swing arm and replaced the damaged parts.  Just 4 small bearings and their collars, already cost me 3 thousand plus.  And more, though I'm using it for company use, I can't already have it reimbursed since I already exhausted my allowance from previous repairs and maintenance. 

This is the XR200 motorcycle piston.  It should be smooth and scratch free.
And the inserted photo was my previous, see any difference? LOL.

And just today, as I was going to work, it started to have a knocking sound in it's motor part as if it's about to lose compression.  So I decided to go back to have it checked and drove as slowly as possible as not to aggregate the damage, if there was any.  As I arrived at the machine shop, my mechanic friend told me, it was due for re-bore since the piston had already accumulated several scratch marks and my camshaft needs to be replaced.  Whew, all in all, that's almost 10 thousand pesos going out my pocket...

Normally, a good camshaft has a smooth and solid surface, unless it's brand new.

I really, badly need a new bike, right now.  I guess, my motorcycle, considering its age, is no longer fit to endure tough terrains.  Well, still my fault, I should have asked for it 4 years ago, when the standard unit was still XR200, unlike now.  I was just thinking before, that I would help the company not to get one since my bike was still in good condition.  "Haaay", now I'm no longer sure if I did the right thing.  I should have thought that I won't get any help from anyone for that matter, aside from the standard repair and maintenance allowance given to us... any expense beyond the company's budget will be shouldered by me, which i find really costly since my motorcycle's major parts being damaged by wear and tear are not cheap.   I guess what I can do right now is wait for the standard unit to change back to a sports type unit which I believe is fit for the rugged and rough roads of my work place.  Not because I'm choosy, but I'm considering safety above all.  Yahweh bless.