Maitenance

[Bikerharpist]

When faced with a maitenance issue, would you rather fix (learn to fix) the problem yourself, or have a dealer/friend/someone else do it, and why?

I plan on learning a great deal about my bike, which I just purchased two days ago, and I have the feeling I'd rather learn how to handle my baby on my own than put it in the hands of someone I just don't know/trust.

Your thoughts... :?:

[GearJammer]

Everyone is different & I'll always respect that, but my own .02 ?

I'm like you & want to learn & do as much as humanly possible on any bike I own. On the negative side, there's some unscrupulous wrenches out there that take advantage of some customers. But leaning more to the positive side, that aspect can be negated by learning & doing as much as you choose to. There's DEFINITELY a self-gratification that comes with knowing that you've tackled a certain task & accomplished it successfully & along with that is the invaluable reality of getting to know YOUR bike. There's also a "bond" that grows between bike & rider. You take care of your bike & she'll take care of you in return.

[Bikerharpist]

Everyone is different & I'll always respect that, but my own .02 ?

I'm like you & want to learn & do as much as humanly possible on any bike I own. On the negative side, there's some unscrupulous wrenches out there that take advantage of some customers. But leaning more to the positive side, that aspect can be negated by learning & doing as much as you choose to. There's DEFINITELY a self-gratification that comes with knowing that you've tackled a certain task & accomplished it successfully & along with that is the invaluable reality of getting to know YOUR bike. There's also a "bond" that grows between bike & rider. You take care of your bike & she'll take care of you in return.


I agree with what you have to say, and cannot wait to learn as much as I can about it. I slowly learn about the bond between bike and rider.

:D

[GearJammer]

Both the Clymer's & the Honda Service Manual would be worth having, I try to score any & all available manuals for any given bike in the stable as it's good to cross reference info, etc.

Asking questions here & off-line locally can help tremendously as well. The experienced wrenches that I've known in real life & the ones that have gained my highest respect are those who have "been there, done that" a million times & will freely share their knowledge with others seeking to learn. If one doesn't have the "time" to try to help or if they choose to keep their knowledge safeguarded like some kind of "secret", just shine 'em on & find someone else who WILL offer patient assistance. (Indie shops can be excellent sources of knowledge, but I've also learned that some of those wrenches honestly might not have the "time" for extended chats due to being on the clock...but you get the drift :wink: Just have to respect the parameters of their work obligations, etc.)

Here's another good source of info:
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

(This guy offers a very comprehensive overview, so I refer his site now & then but with a personal "disclaimer" regarding his politics. Let's just say he & I would be better off keeping the conversation to motorcycles, LOL! YMMV)

The "bond" encompasses working on & learning about your bike & the reward of the bike responding to that attention, but it goes beyond that as well. You'll see it. You'll see riders who look "natural" on their bike. It's like they've become a part of the machine, the ride becomes a cooperative effort of both bike & rider. For example, the old British choppers lend themselves to that bond pretty quickly, they put you in touch with the ride. When I first bought this 450 Reb, I was very impressed with it, but wasn't sure if a bond would be possible. It was like "This is a GREAT motorcycle, but it's still 'just a motorcycle'". But after a few mods & plenty of saddle-time, that changed. It feels "right" now :wink:

[uneasyrider]

When faced with a maitenance issue, would you rather fix (learn to fix) the problem yourself, or have a dealer/friend/someone else do it, and why?

I plan on learning a great deal about my bike, which I just purchased two days ago, and I have the feeling I'd rather learn how to handle my baby on my own than put it in the hands of someone I just don't know/trust.

Your thoughts... :?:

8) Like Gear said,"get the manuals" start small like oil changes, chain lube and chain adjustment. The first time you may want to assist your S.O. just to see how it's done.
BTW Get yourself a set of metric tools, your 06 did'nt come with any. :evil:

Howard

[Snorebaby]

I, myself, am like alot of members here. I prefer to do it myself. I have both books and can't stress enough how much better it is to have them. There are some things I can't do yet (mainly cuz I don't have the tools yet :cry: ), so I have it done.

I have always been a tinkerer. Love to learn new things and am trying to get me a new project now ( :wink: GJ). Also, if I mess something up, I can't blame anyone but myself. If I don't know, I will ask someone who does. That is the great thing about this board! All you have to do is ask. This board is overflowing with knowledge and I have found that everyone loves to share it. Like my father used to say, "The only dumb question is one that never gets asked".

Start with small maint. stuff and work your way up. You will be glad you did :) !!

[GearJammer]

Snorey wrote: "and am trying to get me a new project now ( :wink: GJ)."

hehehe......no pressure, Snorey, just patiently awaiting the good news, my Brother :wink:

[Bikerharpist]

Thank you for all your wonderful advice.

GearJammer, thanks for the link, that looks great.

I took the bike out the other day for my first long ride, roughly an hour long, and it was lots of fun :D . I'm sure I'll be posting many questions as the maitenance issues arrise.

Thanks again!