[parrys]

I had made it clear, from my experience with the Ceat tyres last week, that I was not confident on riding with those rubbers.

So today, fixed Vredestein Centauro ST tyres on my RE INT 650. All this, within 1,500 kms of riding, and in almost 45 days of ownership. The stock Ceat tyres were just not up to the mark, at least for me.

Picking up the tyres from the dealer.


For the first time ever, I saw two-wheeler tyres handed over in a box.


Here's a shot of the INT 650 in full frame, with the stock rubber.


Ceat - front tyre.


Ceat - rear tyre.


Ceat - rear tyre tread pattern.


Unboxing the Vredestein tyres. Do note, these are the same size (same tyres) as the CGT 650.


Well packaged.


Fitting them on the rims. Diwan tyres in Thane (Kothari Compound) understood my brief well. Handle with care, NO DAMAGE or MARK whatsoever.


Wheel balancing was necessary, and I had to accept those ugly looking shiny silver blobs on the black rim.


Special balancing machine for two-wheeler tyres. Again, handled with care.


A quick look at both the tyre tread patterns. New Vs. Old.


Rain gods gave me an instant testing opportunity. The day I decided to ditch the Ceat compound, I encountered a light drizzle. Today, for almost 30 minutes, there was proper monsoon-like rain. The new & unscrubbed Vredestein worked brilliantly. Good grip. Confidence to get on the gas. And confidence to grab the front brake too.


So far, so good. Going for a ride on the weekend. Will update more on the performance of these tyres soon.

[parrys]

After nearly 49 days since delivery...
After so many days of brainstorming and sobbing...
After spending 8,000 bucks on graphene coating...
After spending 2,500 bucks on black ppf...
After spending 750 bucks on sahara seats tank cover...

Finally, a 250 bucks vinyl wrap seems to be the best solution
I can keep doing this every month, or as and when this wrap starts to wear too much.

Am I crazy? Or am I crazy?

[parrys]

Adding to the retro fever, picked up a Shoei Glamster from Singapore. (Hand carried by a friend)

It looks period correct to me.
Also noticed, all my helmets as of date and few from the past, they had a black + red + white livery.

[V0rtex]

Originally Posted by parrys

Updating the final cost, for this purchase:


+14,500 (aew exhaust + fitting)
Total = INR 4,52,215/-

How has the performance of the biken been after you installed the AEW exhaust, have you noticed any drop in torque. I've heard users mentioning that they experienced a torque drop in the lower rev range.

[parrys]

Originally Posted by V0rtex

Absolutely not.
I am short shifting all the way to aural bliss.

Riding solo, or riding with a pillion, have not felt any drop in torque, especially at city speeds.