Life Just Got in the Way…
Well I had big plans for 2024, but health issues and other life issues seemed to always crop up at just the right time to prevent me from getting out on the bikes.
I did resurect the CBX from 36 years of storage as a winter project, and I ended up with just a bit over 4300 miles in total, quite a bit short of my 10,000 goal, but there’s always next year!
Below are summaries for each of the bikes…
1974 Honda CB550
The 550 saw duty early and late in the riding season thanks to the large windscreen I have for it. It ran great as always, and needed just an oil change and a new battrey over the course of the year.
Fuel Usage
Total miles: 643.6 total gallons: 16.946. Average MPG: 37.98.
Maintenance Performed
05/18/2024 36750.0 Oil & Filter – Rotella 15w40 T4
05/18/2024 36750.0 New battery (Rural King 12A-A)
1979 Honda CBX
2024 was a big year for the CBX. After thinking about it for the past several years, I finally brought it home and made it my winter project. After setting in Pop’s garage for 36 years it was quite the project to get it back into road worthy condition.
Fuel Usage
Total miles: 413.8 total gallons: 13.477. Average MPG: 30.7
Maintenance Performed
01/06/2024 12998.0 New battery Yuasa YB18L-A
01/13/2024 12998.0 New fluid front & rear brake systems
01/13/2024 12998.0 Rebuild rear master cylinder
01/20/2024 12998.0 Rebuild carburetors
01/20/2024 12998.0 New carburetor boots engine side
01/27/2024 12998.0 New air filter
01/28/2024 12998.0 New grips
02/03/2024 12998.0 Bridgestone Battlax BT46 Tires
02/07/2024 12998.0 Oil & Filter — Rotella 15w-40 T4
1983 Yamaha Seca Turbo
The Seca ran perfect all year. No issues at all, just a single oil change about mid season. For a 40+ year old vintage motorbike, this bike is so smooth and enjoyable to ride. I need to try and take it on a trip to southeastern Ohio.
Fuel Usage
Total miles: 1317.4 total gallons: 29.083. Average MPG: 45.3
Maintenance Performed
06/15/2024 10087.0 Rotella 15w-40 T4 / K&N 144 (3.2 qt)
2011 Honda CBR250R
This bike is one of my favorite to ride. With that said, it seems like it is the one that year after year is ridden the least. It always starts and requires very little care, none this year! I need to ride this bike more next year…
Fuel Usage
Total miles: 475.1 total gallons: 6.202. Average MPG: 76.6
Maintenance Performed
None in 2024
2012 Honda NC700X
This is a great bike no matter what you may have read about them. This fall I was hit by a deer while riding this bike. It was as stable as a bike can be under such conditions and I escaped any serious injury. Runs great, fantastic fuel mileage, highly recommended!
Fuel Usage
Total miles: 1452.4 total gallons: 18.788. Average MPG: 77.3
Maintenance Performed
05/24/2024 23000.0 MICHELIN Road 5 rear tire
06/17/2024 23356.0 Flush and fill front brake fluid
Final Reflections…
While I didn’t quite tick over 10,000 miles this year, the truth is, every single mile was a good one. I may have fallen short of a number, but I absolutely smashed my goal of pure, unadulterated riding joy. Looking out at my bikes—each machine a mechanical marvel with its own character—reminds me that the greatest metric isn’t mileage, but miles of smiles.
Now, the bikes are getting their winter TLC, but the planning is already underway. The goal remains, and the fire is lit! The 10,000-mile target is officially back on the table for 2025. I can’t wait to share the new routes and new milestones. Keep the rubber side down!