out for a thrash late in the afternoon today, just done familiar 70ish mile round trip and was about 2 miles from home when i noticed on slowing down that the bike started backfiring very loudly. Felt like the seat pad was being punched from underneath
No loss of power, no warning lights, running a little warm (about 85-89 deg C) but still pulling well. I looked behind for a cloud of smoke and all ok. Stopped, no sign of oil or anything untowards. Seeing as though i was only a mile or 2 from home i thought i would see if i could make it.
No probs, got home ok.
A thousand and 1 things running through my mind including the thought of missing TA4 and also a day i've booked with focussed events on the friday (29th) day at cadwell.
Left if it in my garage for an hour or so to cool down and went and had a beer to cool myself down too.
Feeling shi**y thinking about it, so eventually went and had a look, took off fairing panels and fired it up and immediately saw the problem:
The header pipe on the rear cylinder had a big crack all the way around the weld!
Oh well, not blown motor after all just a blowing exhaust!:P
See if i can get it replaced in time on warranty!!
[Edited on 18-7-2005 by chillo]