Re the drain hose from the airbox; Utopia gave me a tip with that too and I cut the tube down to about an inch from the box and pushed the rubber tip/gland thingy back on the short end. I wouldn't blank it off as it might serve to drain any water that found it's way in the box, although neither Utopia and I have ever noticed anything coming out of the drain, hence the justification for shortening it.
Glad that you're at least thinking of changing the tyres. 5 years is the maximum life I give my own (bike) tyres others don't seem that fussy, but there is good evidence to suggest that it's a very good idea. Why chance it?
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