luvbnhpy

I have a 1985 Honda Rebel with just over 6,000 miles and would like to learn how to do my own maintanence and repairs if its not too complicated. I don't know anyone who could help me out if something needs repaired so I don't want to be at the mercy of a mechanic who could take advantage of me. Our local Community College of Allegheny County(PA) offers a course in Small Engine Repair. The description dosen't go into to much explaination and I have asked for a more detail description, but have not heard back. Its listed as this:

Explore engine theory and system components, including fuel, ignition, carburetors and more. Learn easy troubleshooting and tune-up procedures for the engine that won’t start. Let this class pay for itself just by eliminating one trip to the repair shop. Students will be able to work on their own equipment so they are encouraged to bring their tool box. Textbook is recommended at an additional cost.

I don't do maintance but I know my way around a little bit under the hood of a car. I feel I can figure out most things and if I was shown how to do something I feel confident I could do it. I do have the manual for my motorcycle but don't feel confident if something were to break or not work properly.

If anyone has any advice or suggestions or has any knowledge of this course and could give me some insight, I would appreicate it. Thanks for you time!

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Buickguy

First off, Welcome aboard. You've got some pretty riding country in your area.

Most of the small engine stuff will apply to the Rebel engine. There will be some things that are motorcycle specific that probably won't be covered like brakes, chain, wheel alignment, tires and the like. The Rebel is fairly easy to maintain. With a good basic set of metric tools, you should be able to handle most things that come up.
Oil changes are super simple on the Rebel as is lubing the chain or battery replacement. Brakes aren't too tough to replace the pads and changing brake fluid is a matter of being careful about the paint more than the technical skill required to do it.
With the knowledge base on the forum, there are a lot of folks that could help talk you through.

So, tell us about your bike.

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1987 CMX250C Rebel

2002 FSC600 SilverWing

1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago XV920MK

Put your bike's year and size in your signature.
It helps others help you.

luvbnhpy

I bought it a little over a year ago from Craiglist for $950 for a woman who couldn't ride it because of health reasons. Its in excellent condition with just over 6000 miles and I just love it. I do have a picture of it on my profile, at least I think I posted one. I took the motorcycle saftey course and passed with 100%. I rode it around my little town outside of Pittsburgh all last summer and most of this summer and just started braving it to work. I have an hour commute and just love bringing the bike into work when I can. I have been reading the posts in these forums for a year now and feel they are very helpful. I am more of a hands-on kind of girl when I want to do things myself. I always worry I am going to do something wrong. LOL Hopefully between the forum and maybe the class I can get confidence in myself.

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Buickguy

That's a pretty red! I am partial to red bikes. I know your town, or more accurately knew your town. My father was born in Monessen. I haven't been there in many years.

Have you changed your brake fluid yet? How about your oil? Zeprider has a great video on adjusting the valves. Take your time and and follow the steps. Its all pretty easy.

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1987 CMX250C Rebel

2002 FSC600 SilverWing

1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago XV920MK

Put your bike's year and size in your signature.
It helps others help you.

Blueberry

Welcome, and don't worry, there are plenty of people here that would be glad to help. There is nothing out there that you can't learn to do, just things out there you haven't done yet.

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Ride Safe, Blueberry
1985 Honda 250 Rebel
1970 Honda SL 90
2008 Royal Enfield Electra 500

luvbnhpy

No, I haven't done anything yet but all that was done right before I bought it. Thanks for all the advice. I know I can learn to do anything, its just getting it done!

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shadetree

Took the small engine course 30yrs ago, good place to start. Never stop learning.

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Soul Searcher

Greetings luvbnhpy,

Welcome to the Forum. Take the Small Engine Repair Course. By learning the basic's, you will be able to apply it to your Rebel. The more you know, the easier it will be to maintain your Rebel.

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flitecontrol

Welcome to the forum. A service manual is like a cookbook with pictures; it will show you how to do everything from change the oil to rebuild the ehgine. May be one in your local library, ebay, or amazon.com. It will pay for itself in no time. It's time to change the oil if its been in there since you bought it. Need to change at least once a year, regardless of the miles you put on it. Very simple to do. If you want to do it before you have a service manual, we can walk you through it.

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

navwig

Take the course it will always come in handy!! I consider another course just another tool in the tool bag you keep in your head and as anybody knows there is no such thing as too many tools

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Intelligence is not a Degree. Intelligence is to take what is obtained from learning and applying it to every day situations with common-sense. It just so happens common-sense is not taught in our schools.