Dear Pete,
My 1998 Varadero has gone through 2 batteries in the last year and doesn’t seem to be charging. When I charge it up and leave it for more than a few weeks, the battery is always flat. Any suggestions?Paul, Uckfield.
Hi Paul,
From the information you’ve given me, you may have a couple of potential problems. A new battery should hold its charge for more than a few weeks, unless there is a drain from something left on, or defective, like heated grips or an immobiliser. With the ignition off, check for any current drain from the battery. Also, check that the alternator is charging the battery when the engine is running as rectifiers are a common failure on these Hondas. If in doubt, a vehicle electrician can run these checks for you in a matter of minutes.
Dear Pete,
My CG125 has a slow puncture that I want to get fixed. Does it have an inner tube like a pushbike? If so, how can I tell without taking the wheel apart?Martin, by email
Hi Martin,
The Honda CG125 is fitted with inner tubes. There are a few clues that usually show the difference between tubed and tubless. A spoked wheel is usually tubed because the spoke holes are not air tight – exceptions to this are bikes like the big BMWs that have the spokes on the edge of the rim, outside the tyre. Most inner tubes have a metal valve body with a retaining nut securing it to the rim, whereas most tubed tyres have a rubber, mushroom shaped valve.solves the problem.
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
