I agree Viper: That tape IS due for replacement & it's not even a year old. Now that our Winter rains have started, I'm not riding much beside my daily commute, so I can spend some quality garage time. I wrap the bars on my commuters that way on purpose so I don't need to tape the ends by the stem. I'm a little guy & the tape doesn't peel back much before it gets worn out. That Moto was my attempt to recreate a bike I lusted after back in the 70's. I found the frame on eBay & accumulated some good French stuff over time. Probably better than the original now & I take it along for a rider when we travel. Don