Given all of our recent talk about hands on skills and the positive reception it has among readers here, think about another real benefit the hands off crowd might not consider, the freedom to buy used. Take a minute to check out the motorcycles for sale. Look through those listings for a few minutes, how many are really out of consideration if you don’t do your own work? If you need a knowledgeable mechanic you can trust to fix and maintain your bike and there’s none nearby, you might as well write off almost any vintage model. Those good looking BSAs, Nortons, all vintage British bikes really, forget it. Even early models of some current brands would be questionable, along with recent models of bikes not sold anywhere near you. If all you can do is pay for service instead of doing it yourself, you eliminate many potential choices.
In a world where everyone is supposed to be able to buy whatever they want or need, many often don’t consider the narrowing of choices a lack of skills creates. Even if you buy it new, if it breaks and no one is around to repair it, you replace it or do without. (Whether it’s designed to be repairable is an issue for another day.)
If you want to buy a new Triumph, Moto Guzzi, Ducati or even a BMW, the dealers are spread a lot thinner than they are for Harley and Honda. If you go the distance and buy new, who does the required service if you can’t? Another long trip, time and again and pretty quickly you cross those off your list. With this economy, those dealers are getting spread even thinner and the lack of DIY skills makes it tougher for those brands to hang on to territory if everyone needs dealer service for every oil change or valve adjustment.
With the impressive reliability of a lot of current new motorcycles, some non DIY owners might take a chance and buy from a distant dealer anyway, but it doesn’t take overwhelming skill and years of experience to get to the level of basic maintenance and for the effort necessary to learn, the reward of so many more potential choices is a strong incentive to get familiar with a tool box.
Twistedchild says
Amen… but in a 3rd world country the problem actually is finding bikes that can actually be worked on… cheap big displacement bikes are hard to come by so you buy what is available and then learn pick up the skills to fix it when you have it!
Drew Taylor says
I like the idea of doing basic or even intermediate maintenance and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty but I don’t know where to begin. I’ve changed my own oil and I try to keep an eye on my tread and tire pressure, but that’s about it. I should probably maintain my chain better than I do. What else should I be looking after? I ride a Suzuki Gladius (basically a standard SV650). Are there any resources besides forums for help? Thanks!
JeCo says
Why not forums? I think forums, especially motorcycle/car forums are probably one of the best things to happen to the DIY person. Instead of just hitting the forum for the issues your experiencing, start parsing the project threads and look for tasks that others are taking on (IE adjust tappets, change handle bars, create a tank, make a swing arm, etc) and add them to your to-do list. If by chance they don’t provide enough detail then just message them or create a thread asking (search first since I doubt your question has not already not been asked.
Dont limit yourself to a single forum.. spread yourself out as there is a lot of great data out there. My other suggestion is youtube.. Tons of great how-to videos out there to either get you the knowledge you need or atleast started.
AlwaysOnTwo says
A word of caution about forums. And YouTube “look what I can do” videos by people with more skill at running a webcam than choosing the right wrench. I have visited many, many forums from the old out of production models to modern fire breathers, and one thing is common…a LOT of bad advice from the blind leading the blind. Everything from using electrical tape instead of solder and shrink wrap to “tighten until snug and then go 1/4 turn more” (for those that don’t grok, imagine the difference in torque being generated with that 1/4 turn depending on the thread pitch and/or whether your mating surfaces are aluminum or steel).
If you want to know what you should be doing, and how to do it, DOWNLOAD THE SERVICE MANUAL for your machine. I mean, my gawd ya’ll, any 12 year old can follow the text and they even have pictures!! And treat yourself to some tools instead of this week’s tab at happy hour or whatever. Tools, also, can last a lifetime and repay you in both time and pleasure of doing a job correctly.
Pay attention to the recommended service schedule in that manual. And be ahead of the game. Don’t wait till 5000 miles for a check of a manual cam chain tensioner (if so equipped) do it at 4000. Don’t want to wind up without a headlight on a midnight’s ride home?? Hey, look at the manufacturer’s label (or, again, use the internet for something other than social networking) and download the bulb hours…and then change it out 10 percent sooner. You do keep a gas mileage and maintenance log, don’t you? Shouldn’t be too hard to do the math. But the idea, is to maintain before a repair becomes necessary.
If you want your machine to last, and be reliable, you either have to pay someone like me to care for it, fix it and save your but or learn to do it yourself. And I’d trade a lifetime of fixing broken bikes for educated riders/owners that did it themselves and raised the bar for everyone else that claims to be a “biker”.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Amen. Putting money into good tools is money well spent one time, toolboxes, too. Treat tools right and your grandchildren will be using them until they’re old; apply a little common sense, you know, don’t use that pipe for a little extra torque. I still have a Craftsman toolbox that’s too small now but I bought it in the 60s and it’s still perfectly serviceable. If I was going to use it regularly, I’d probably strip it and repaint it, but then I’d lose that big STP sticker which gives it a certain period charm. 🙂
johnny ro says
Great thread. Yes, life is better when you know what you are doing within your hobby.
I never failed to find the right answer on SVrider or stromtrooper. Same for GStwins. Hyosung forum is not as deep.
For my then-new 1975 Norton Commando, there was no internet and it wound up in a basket within 5 years. I was young and stupid.
I have a nice Yamaha dealer nearby and use him for tires, inspections and for selling used bikes. Profitable relationship for both. I seem to know more about desirable mods on Yamahas than he does though.
Justin says
Tip for some beginners is to learn about one brand. Learning how one manufacturer builds or assemble a motorcycle is an important key.
Tip for beginners is to not drink or do drugs until you are finished your repairs or service.(do not talk on the stupid phone!)
Service in hours vs miles on how you ride or what environment you ride your bike,(salt,rain,dust and sport riding) I normally get riders or recommend 6 month oil and brake fluid) rather than km/miles or service schedules.
Choose an oil for you ,how hard you ride it and the conditions it lives in.
Learn about the oil/fluids you use, is it suitable for you and your bike.
The Kneeslider could do some topics on oil/fluid and its additives ,boiling points ,break down points and its application.
Valve clearances normally will not change unless you contaminate or over stress your engine,poor air filter maintenance or poor air filter choices is the most common failure.
And if your not sure on your repair, do it again for you only have two wheels!
(You put others at risk for sloppy repairs or missed inspections.)
(You must know how it works before you can fix or look after it properly)
(Tune and adjust the bike how the rider rides it or should be ridden)
(You must ride the right bike for you or adjust the bike to suit your size or riding style)
The higher the performance or price tag the higher or more expensive the service.
Jim says
A cautionary note regarding factory service manuals. They are usually written for mechanics who have been trained on the brands bikes and serve as an advisory resource for individuals who can fill the gaps in the information provided from their experience. For instance the manual will tell you what you need to disassemble to check and adjust the valves, but assumes the mechanic knows how to determine if the valves are within spec and how to adjust them if they are not.
A manual like a Chiltons or Haynes can be a godsend for the home mechanic.
AlwaysOnTwo says
I don’t quite accept your point. Not entirely, anyway. Because, with just a quick Google anyone can learn how, in less than 5 minutes, to set up and use a dial indicator. Or a digital/manual caliper or micrometer. And every OEM service manual I’ve ever seen, even for some of those GY6 clones, have schematics or pictures showing the points of measurement and comparison. Again, if not, then a quick Google solves the problem with more info than anyone could need. And here, I’ll even concede that there are a few good YouTube vids put together by ASE mechanics that show everything from miking a crank journal to hand lapping valve seats.
Now if you want to actually turn a crank journal or bore a cylinder, then you’re not going to find that in any service manual. But if you’re in the area, I’ll gladly let you watch me do it a time or two.
The reason I caution against second party manuals, especially Chiltons, is the sheer number of errors and confusion contained in specs. I’ve even seen in some of their Mercury Marine manuals were they use pictures of the wrong engine or component, which are copied from previous editions regarding different engines.
In Chiltons, I’ve also had customers come to me looking for help because in trying to follow the instructions exactly, they can’t reassemble an engine or segment thereof. It’s because Chiltons often doesn’t do a complete teardown of each engine when publishing a model version change, say 1999 to 2000 in one book and 2000 to 2009 for the same model. They assume many things have remained the same, when in fact there are minor changes that make huge differences.
Having spot-on reference material is distinctly different from acquiring skills to utilize the specs.
twistedchild says
Talking about aftermarket manuals, Haynes would be my default choice… at least they actually try to look for a used bike and then work on it!
akaaccount says
The forums and a factory manual are all you need for a Gladius. The thing’s bulletproof – all you need to be able to do beyond changing oil and lubing the chain is check/adjust the valves. There are lots of write up threads on doing just about everything, valve adjustments included. It seems scary going into your valve train the first time, but the twin is extremely easy compared to I4’s. That’s what makes the SV/SFV such a great beginner (rider and mechanic) bikes.
Of course, my SV went 30k before ever actually needing a valve adjustment. Even then it was barely out.
Rich says
I have over thirty years in the business and KNOW that there is no excuse for knowledge. “Hands on” is fine but the more theory you know, the more you can do – and know why. Get books and read. There is no substitute for how the machine works and why. Take it from someone who has worked as a technician, manufacturer’s troubleshooter and technical trainer.
Carolynne says
That is so so true. My husband has saved us a fortune because he can fix pretty much anything. The one point you missed that I find really pays off is you can reliably evaluate what needs to be done on a vehicle that is for sale prior to purchase and whether or not its worth buying and fixing. Even (maybe especially) if you go to a dealership you cant trust what they tell you, but if you have the knowledge you can figure it out for yourself.
NextVoiceUHear says
I would really like to buy a Guzzi Norge 8V but for two deal-killing reasons: The unstable economy of Italy and only two dealers in Colorado.
Love your site but hate the Captcha thing.
Gene Sherman says
I agree 1000%. I’m taking it a step further by working toward a place where people have access to tools, equipment, experts and can go to learn these skills: http://www.Vocademy.com But, beyond just having a community machine shop / wood shop / fab shop, I want to have a few motorcycle lifts so people could work on their project bikes!
I gave a TEDx talk a month ago titled “The Importance of Making Things.” In that talk, the subject of DYI is a critical part of our freedom and ability to afford the things we normally could not.
JeCo says
*slow clap* .. my hat off to you good sir. Its people like you that make us DIY individuals proud.
Olav says
This is so true. I have saved a lot of money over the years, by buying cheap cars and bikes that I have repaired and maintenanced myself.
On the other side, if I had not become a grease monkey, but, like my friend next door, gained a masters degree in economics instead, I probably could have bought a Aston Martin like he did…..
JeCo says
I am really impressed with the direction of this site as late and its focus around DIY attitude. I would like to see it step up and provide a repository of these type of tasks and how they might link to motorcycle.
Something like instructables but more around motorcycle/garage/tooling emphasis.
For those of us with kids or kids in somewhere in the family, get them involved. My 7 year old daughter used to call the garage a boys place, now I cannot keep her out of it. While it can be a bit of an annoyance putting her bike back together or try and find missing tools its still a good feeling seeing her doing things with her hands. I suggest looking at makezine.com for other kid related projects you can get them involved in.
B50 Jim says
I bought my BSA B50 in 1974, and really learned to understand it just five years ago. In the meantime, however, I got out my tools and worked on it whenever it needed fixing. Old vintage bikes can be a problem, but no more so than a new bike with EFI, traction control and a lot of other stuff the owner CANNOT fix when it packs it in. On vintage bikes, every part can be taken apart and repaired, replaced or cleaned up. Quite a few parts that aren’t available can be fabricated or manufactured in a good home workshop.
But I agree that a rider wishing to simply ride should buy something like a Yamaha XS 650 or any number of Japanese machines. They’re plentiful and inexpensive with good parts availability, and an owner with average mechanical skills can keep them running easily. Good, cheap wheels!
BTW — the captchas aren’t as bad as they seem — just look at them like you’d look at a photo negative.
Norm says
I couldn’t say it any better myself. I bought my first bike in 1967 and learned to wrench on it as needed. Today’s machines preclude what I can do simply because of the technology involved. A number of the electrical parts on my Wing can only be tested by replacing them with a known working unit. (Which of course I just happen to have lying around in abundance or borrow from my local dealer……yeah right.) So what’s the solution? How about a 1000cc Enfield Musket tricked out with Ace Fireball top ends from Aniket Vardan. Easy to work on and somewhat unique…….
Hawk says
Shades of Burt Munro …
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burt_Munro
Tim says
Not many of us will e casting our own pistons.
But yes, I agree: I enjoy doing work on my bikes (and pushbikes, and sundry DIY).
B50 Jim says
I’m not knocking EFI and digital controls — my ’07 Toyota has run flawlessly with the only problem so far a good, old-fashioned, leaking rear-axle seal — which was easy to fix in my garage using hand tools; even the new brakes were easy to replace because they went in only one way. I am a big fan of digital controls; anyone of a certain age who recalls trying to start a carbureted vehicle needing a tune-up on a subzero morning doesn’t miss flooded engines, worn-out points and plugs and frozen toes while waiting for a tow. Sure, when digitals go bad you’re stuck, but it happens so infrequently that it’s almost nonexistent. Today’s vehicles are nearly trouble-free, which leaves owners time to tinker and fiddle with those cranky old Amals and Prince-of-Darkness electrics. But even my B50 has Boyer electronic ignition, which makes life so much better…..
kim says
I learned to wrench when fixing mopeds 40+ years ago, got better as the years went by, leaving an impressive trail of botched parts in the process. Eventually I got around to buying workshop manuals and good tools, which improved the situation enormously. Should have done that from the start, of course.
AlwayOnTwo above leaves a word of warning regarding internet forums. Anyone who haven’t spent time reading the occasionally stupid advice, should take what he says seriously. Learn from those who know (mechanics, friends who have proved they know of which they speak) and be wary of anyone else.
Timmer says
My wrench turning skills are the only reason I can afford to ride at all. Unlike my buddies who didn’t mind dropping 10k on a new 600cc sport bike I knew that was out of my budget. Instead I found a nice used ’82 Suzuki GS850G for a tenth of that and use my skills to keep it in good running order. I had never worked on bikes before but once I had the manual (and thankfully an awesome forum) everything became very clear. I love the satisfaction I get from keeping my bike on the road and I feel more connected to it.
Cowpieapex says
Of course economics makes a good argument for understanding all aspects of your motorcycles structure and function, but the closer on this is physics. The penalty for a mechanical shortcoming is too severe on a motorcycle to blithely walk up and hop on and ride away.
Yes I love to gaze at virtually any bike, and mine in particular. From time to time though this lingering glance reveals information pertinent to my health and safety.
I recently repaired a 2002 Kawasaki that had left its previous owner so badly injured that he vowed to never ride again. I fitted a new tank, handlebars and fender, but most revealing was the rear axle adjustment. It was adjusted so far out of alignment that the rear tire nearly rubbed the swingarm. I can only imagine what an evil handling beast that bike had been. So crashed mangled and stashed for 8 years, I scored it cheap and now ride a sweet new old stock scoot that accelerates brakes and handles perfectly. I trust it completely because I’ve carefully cleaned examined adjusted and repaired every component on it.
The repair process is not a dreaded chore but a quiet meditative puzzle-solving process that is a prelude to the sublime joy of full tilt flight .
twistedchild says
” The repair process is not a dreaded chore but a quiet meditative puzzle-solving process that is a prelude to the sublime joy of full tilt flight. ” – Which is probably why I keep taking my two bikes apart in the guise of fixing them! lol! But of course when they get put back together subtle changes (that usually improve performance) have been done.
Davooo says
A short note:
Motorbikes, and technology in general, is becoming increasingly more complex. I’m studying manufacturing engineering and machining and fitting simultaneously. One thing I’ve found in the course of my own motorcycle maintenance is that it’s no longer a case of “turn the carby’s screw if you’re running leanâ€. Instead there’s a whole lot of black magic that I can’t even fathom just to get some fuel into my cylinder. This, I believe, is one reason for the loss of interest in this area. Today’s machines are so expensive and complex that it’s very daunting to do all this sort of thing yourself. I’m learning by trial and error (which, by the way, is an expensive way to learn) but at least it means I get my hands dirty and the satisfaction (not to mention the knowledge) of doing the job myself.
I worry that one day, the complexity of these things will be so great that only specialists can work on them (indeed that is already the case for some things… have you ever remapped your CPU or designed (properly) a stressed carbon fibre part? Neither have I!
Bring back the old school.
Cowpieapex says
The black magic involved in the newer components is no more demanding of intellect or technology than the old crafts of machining, casting and welding. Your desktop computer cost less than my cutting and welding outfit. The time and training it takes to understand engine mapping is certainly no more than that required to be a competent, let alone certified, welder. Indeed in many schools the welding courses are gone and the computer lab is growing. To pretend human hands can’t fix what human hands have built is a fallacy.
You may not repair an engine management processor but neither would you repair a stripped lug nut( weld up the hole, re-drill to tap size and re-tap). Some hardware is just too cheap abundant, and durable to waste time on.
As to old school, refer back to the note from “Hawk”. Burt Munro hand cast his own overhead valve cylinder heads for his flat head Indian, hand filed connecting rods from axle shaft, and cut his own SAE nuts and bolts when they were not available in his native New Zealand.
Any time I hear complaints about engine electronics I presume these same folks would prefer acetylene / carbide headlamps because when those new-fangled sealed beam doohickys quit you just got to throw em away and buy new ones.
AlwaysOnTwo says
Cowpieapex, I couldn’t agree more. I was weaned on old school carbs and magnetos, but in my shop right now sits a customer’s FJR that needs help. The basic troubleshooting/tuning for anything short of a jet engine remains the same with only minor additions. The need to understand the intricacies of the electronics is NOT necessary, it only necessary to understand how to locate the problem and correct it by replacing the offending component. With just a little research, the cpu info can be found online and a laptop link established to do the fine tuning or check the output and match it as a pass or fail it.
And, we’re not talking here about knowing every facet of every bike…just the one you are riding or acquiring as a project…. and as I said before, anyone can download a pdf or find a torrent for the service manual (for the newbies, not the owners manual, the shop manual, because even if you never tear apart the cases there is mucho info in the service manual you should know) and follow step by step instructions from the people that built the bike.
And if at all possible, avoid the second party books like Chiltons (Clymers is a bit better) and get the real factory print. Hey, even if you have to pay $20-$30, it is money well spent to have the right info directly from OEM.
Keep them round rubber thingys spinnin and burn some dino sauce.
BigHank53 says
Honestly, a lot of the old school stuff sucked pretty hard. I have a Honda Element. In the last 100,000 miles, here’s all the engine maintenance it’s required: oil changes and one coolant change. It’s going to get a new timing belt, water pump, and serpentine belt this year, and it should be good to go for another 100,000 miles. I remember when cars needed a tune-up every 1500 miles. I remember points. No thank you.
Yeti2bikes says
I had the advantage of being raised by drunken mechanics in a Texaco station when it comes to DIY, but I learned another valuable skill on my first dirt bike at age 13. The art of improv. I couldn’t afford a complete running bike so I made one out of six discarded bikes with only a few new parts. I called it the Yamakawazuki and I put hundreds of hours on it.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s always best to do the job right but when you’re broke down in the middle of nowhere or just plain broke it’s nice to be able to improvise and McGyver your way out of trouble enough to limp it home.
B50 Jim says
If riders in the past loved riding just so they could work on their bikes, how does that explain the success of Japan, Inc.’s motorcycles? I believe most riders were happy to give up those flame-prone carbs, pipe burns and not-so-bright lights. I rode my XS650 nearly trouble-free for 11 years and loved being able to climb on, turn the key, push a button and ride, either across town or across the state, confident that I would get back home with no drama. That said, I surely appreciate people like Burt Munroe and all the others who can improvise and fabricate to keep their bikes running or to run better. I’ve done a fair amount of it myself, but I like doing it for fun, not of necessity. I have had to make emergency repairs on various old cars (specifically a ’66 Valiant and a ’73 MGB) in the middle of nowhere, and had a great feeling to know I could fix it; but I’d rather simply drive and ride without keeping an ear cocked for trouble
Paulinator says
I got my old GT6 running with a twist-tie, rubber-band and aligator clips once, when an electrical short cooked the spring off the breaker-points. Damned thing even reved to 3500 rpm before floating the “points” and sputtering. It got me home with a great big smile on my face.
I have a little Chinese POS scooter with CDI ignition. When something fails I walk. I’ve already replaced every little black “potted” box with wire sticking out of it, so I guess I walk a lot. Old and unreliable is acceptable, even fun for the curious of mind. Modern and unreliable just sucks.
Metal School Dan says
The freedom to buy used is the only way I could ever afforded my first Ducati. I found what I thought was a killer deal on a “needs some engine work” 748S. I had some skills, but to be honest was a little afraid to dive into my first Italian engine problem. However, my good friend was a bike mechanic for 20 years and told me that he was sure he could fix it and suggested I buy it. He came over, and without any hesitation helped me pull things apart and start testing until we found the problem. It was his confidence of knowing how to solve that problem, and showing me that it isn’t that hard that made me realize that you just need to get the manual out and start doing…. What at first was something that seemed so scary I now know like the back of my hand from getting in there and doing it myself.
As a side note, the problem ended up being an improper ignition pickup gap, so it was a hella of a deal!
OMMAG says
Learn by doing …. used to be the SOP ,,,, now it’s a novel way of thinking…..
Ah well … that’s what keeps us old guys young…………
Carolynne says
speaking of do it yourself I am looking of suggestions. I am looking at a Buell Blast but I find the gas tank Ugggglieeee. Has anyone replaced a gas tank with something that looked a little nicer. and what did you use if you did?
tim says
Hi Carolynne. Not to derail your parade or anything but if you want a single cylinder road bike, consider a Yamaha SRX-6, Honda GB500, or a Honda FT500: Sure, old (but you get to wrench on them if you want) and IMO a lot nicer bikes than a Buell Blast. Of course finding one might be an issue where you live. I’ve owned both the GB and the SRX and would have either again.
Or an Enfield maybe? then when Aniket gets A into G you can double the capacity of the motor and use the same running gear…. 😉 again. sorry to derail.
Carolynne says
Good feedback, I thought they were good thats why I was looking at it, handy having you guys for input. Good thing I have lots of time. I would so love an Enfield, but there are none to be found in the area at all at least so far.
Hawk says
As some of you may know, I counted Trev Deeley as a friend for over 50 years. One of his more sage sayings was (and this must be said with a straight face and very dry) ….
“Motorcycle boots are not comfortable for walking. They are made that way to encourage proper maintenance.”
Tim says
This is awesome!
Eric Cherry says
I got my first bike 4 years ago, sold my first one and got two more (always good to have a spare anything).
Of my current bikes, I’ve had my Honda the longest. Had it for about 3.5 years, it’s been too reliable. Nothing ever has gone wrong and got a lot of joy riding it. Got it 2nd hand for next to nothing and took me no time to save up to buy another bike. Like a lot of us, I always wanted a Harley… I’m not a rich dude, no where close to it. So I got this second hand Sportster which has been the most problematic, maintenance heavy, most parts replaced piece of machinery I’ve ever owned. And I’m thankful it has been so problematic!
Point being is that if I just had the Honda I wouldn’t have learned squat, because I never had to do anything. It just works every day, every time. Yeah my Harley costs me money, time and some headaches. But every time I get discouraged or frustrated; I remind myself of this:
“Just like a college education, you always gotta pay tuition”
Gotta pay to learn, time, sweat, swearing and parts. But I’ve learned so much more by everything imaginable breaking on that bike. It’s kinda broken now… but least I’m learning.
mlewis says
Having good tools and knowing how to use them properly is probably more than half the battle of keeping an older vehicle on the road. Cheap tools often cause more difficulty and damage when they slip, round bolts and nuts, strip screw heads, bend, break, etc. So get good tools for whatever you are working on and know how they should be used. Technical knowledge is often required for working on motorcycles, and that is why you need the service manuals.
Mental attitude is also very important, the tools and machine “don’t care”, That is YOUR job. Take your time and think problems through and don’t take short cuts or assume something is OK until you check it out. You need patience and a calm mind, that part is up to you, and you CAN do it. It really helps to be inspired, and that you take pride in the quality of your work. If you follow this theme your friends will envy your machine because it works well, looks good, and they don’t own it. Your machine will work well and look good because you treat it with respect and pride, and that gives it an attraction to others. Pick a machine you like and make it right, then keep it there.
Older machines may be available for relatively next to nothing but they will still cost you time and parts to get them going and keeping them there. In the process you will learn more about how they actually work, and gain competence in repairs, which is especially important when you are on the road. How many of you know how to make up control cables, or how to sync carbs, or change a tire? Simple enough tasks if you know how, but how about diagnosing noises, uneven running, difficulty shifting? It’s just different knowledge, not harder to do if you know how. Knowledge can be king. In this regard the previous point re the Harley sportster being less reliable and therefore more educational is right on point.
Cameron says
At three I learned to hold a screwdriver, by five I had taken everything apart. My father would bring home broken junk and I would take it apart. By the time I was 12 I was fixing most of it. My first bike didn’t run when I got it. I took it ALL apart and reassembled it. It still didn’t work but the second bike did after COMPLETE disassembly and reassembly. My point is support kids taking it apart if it doesnt work, they can’t wreck it! It’s already broken.
PS-I now own a successful fabrication company having worked up the ranks due to the skills I learned as a kid. Thanks Dad!
James McBride says
I’ve always had to learn the hard way!
'37 Indian says
Cameron makes a great point. I was also lucky and had a mechanically talented father who was patient and would show me how to work with tools and how to properly repair things. I would watch him in amazement while he repaired the car, the washing machine, fix household problems, etc. I learned how to fix my bicycle, then a go cart, then a minibike, then got my first motorcycle at 15 1/2, a ’66 Yamaha Twin Jet 100. Got my first car at 18, did all the work on that myself. Somewhere around this time, I learned that people would actually pay me to repair their vehicles! I became a rental equipment mechanic, a powerboat and large motor yacht mechanic, then an FAA certified aircraft tech. Later on I bought a used (and abused)Peterbilt and actually restored that truck while I was working it in the construction materials business (think motorcycles are a challenge?). I got out just before the economy fell apart and have been buying/restoring/owning/selling used and vintage motorcycles for the past 7 years, and have no inclination to stop.
I doubt that any of this would have happened without the initial training I received from my dad, and I think that this is what is missing in today’s society, and why so many people aren’t capable of (or even interested in) repairing their own vehicles.
As to specialized online motorcycle forums, some are terrible, but others are worth their weight in gold. It seems it all depends upon the overall attitude of its participants. I own a ’78 Yamaha XS750 Special, and participate in the Yamaha Triples Community (http://www.yamaha-triples.org) forum. Great group, great attitude, and instrumental in helping others learn about owning and repairing a neat, vintage motorcycle.
AlwaysOnTwo says
Now that is a proper question for a forum, but not this one in particular. Googling Buell Blast Forum the first 5 results are indeed forums, and a quick cruise of the galleries shows some modded bikes. Find a modded bike you like, join the forum and PM the poster. Or, take off your tank, make some rough measurements of length, tunnel depth and width and tunnel profile, and height to the handlebar interference point at the top of the tank and the distance from there to the top of the tunnel. Frame mounts and location are not necessarily important, as you will inevitably need to have a qualified welder match these to the frame or drill and weld the frame to match the tank. Now, go visit your local motorcycle boneyard and spend some time pulling and comparing tanks.
Oh, you don’t want to work that hard for it? I understand, I hate having rats crawl up my pantlegs and picking the ticks off at the end of the day. Try this http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2008/04/16/a-buell-kit-to-make-it-a-custom-hit/
or Google Buell Blast Custom Gas Tank and find what you can afford without getting dirty.
Yeti B. says
Carolynne, I have to agree with Tim. I am a huge Buell fan and own an XB12scg which I wouldn’t trade for the world, but even I can’t get behind the Buell Blast. Buell never wanted to build them but Harley made him to have a small single in the showroom and it shows.
In 2010 shortly before Harley showed him the door, the factory would sell you one crushed into a cube “for use as an end table” as the web site said tounge in cheek. That tells you how much they thought of them.
dano says
As many have said having mechanical training and knowledge is great. It was in high school that I realized a college career wasn’t where I wanted to go so off to tech school for machinist / tool making I went. After more apprenticing, four years in the A.F. crewing on C-130’s, repairing cars, motorcycles, small engines, building a house, doing the plumbing and electrical I can say there isn’t anything that can’t be learned from a book or manual. After the A.F. I went to college for the technical / shop classes where I did get to play in the ‘green sand’, hands on and books. I earned a degree there that furthered my career in advanced machining at a research lab, more manuals and books, some of which I have authored.
Over the years I have amassed quite a few tools, I have always subscribed to buying good tools as they pay for themselves, when taken care of. That’s not to say I haven’t bought anything at the “Freight” but I take into account the times I need it and if I use it once can I consider it paid for?
When I get a motorcycle I purchase a repair manual (Craig’s List) either new or used. When I sell the bike I keep the manuals, I may get another one again.
Here’s a little insight on having some mechanical ability, during our Oct. freak snow storm the power went out for 3/4 of Connecticut. I was called by friends half way across the state to help get their generators running. Carburetor clean outs were the biggest culprits, this ethanol stuff is no good. I had the manuals and knew which tools to take, along with the portable ultra sonic cleaner and I got all of them running. I powered the cleaner off an inverter in the truck. I did 15 generators for the cost of my gas to get there.
Just last week the nephew had a problem with this Polaris. He showed up with the machine and a service manual, it had been sitting in the garage for three years, not started. The fuel ate the tygon line, corroded the fuel pump, plugged the injector, messed up the throttle position sensor and I’m sorry to say it still doesn’t run right after replacing all that stuff. If it was a carb machine it would be running, I think.
The bottom line is now that I’m in the market for a new bike and I’m leaning toward the BMW GT or GTL six cylinder I am hesitant because of the electronics / computers and lack of dealers within 50 miles.
I love technology but mechanics is one heck of a lot easier.
Green CH says
I’ve been following this site for over two years now and after all that time I feel compelled to comment.
As a long time motorcycle enthusiast, I recently completed one of my dreams, a complete ground up restoration of a 71 Sporty…it’s about as close to factory as I could get it within my budget but it’s a rider not a garage queen. It just happened to be a Sporty, I’m not a fan of H-D by any means, I would prefer an airhead or an old Guzzi but I digress.
As a life long mechanic on heavy trucks and construction equipment it was still a little bit of a challenge for me, never had to relace and true up wheels among other things required. For those of you who feel compelled to take on such a project or even daily maintenance I offer the following: Don’t be intimidated, Get a Manual and READ IT Before you start, If you use the internet forums, that can be a good thing but beware that there are some that are “flying by the seat of their pants” out there, Make sure you have some good tools, You must have the correct torque wrenches, you might need two, Make sure you have a decent place to work, don’t scatter your project all over the driveway or store all of your parts in a damp place, ensure you have reliable resources for parts and materials, Buy a half way decent Digital Multi Meter, electricity even 12volts dc can be intimidating. For many it’shard to understand something you can’t see that could hurt or kill you.
For those who have issues with modern technology on these new machines, you need to understand the basics first when it comes to electricity and electronics, I highly recommend that you go online to your browser and order a copy of Dan Sullivan’s “Fundamental Electrical Troubleshooting” this book is written for the mechanicor person who does automotive type work, not the engineer or electronics specialist.
Ride Safe and Never Loan Tools Beyond Your Line of Sight !
B50 Jim says
Note that most posters are saying to buy a book before you start any project. How true! A lot of would-be riders make the grave mistake of approaching motorcycle mechanics the way they approach an old Chevy or Plymouth. They are NOT the same thing! The only similarity is they both have an engine. Everything else is different. A lot of projects get pushed into corners and forgotten for this reason; which does provide the rest of us with potential deals on great old bikes years later….
But with a good manual and parts book, you’re halfway home. Read them thoroughly and have them right on the bench when doing the project. The mark of a good mechanic is a repair book smeared with greasy fingerprints on every page.
A good set of tools is a necessity as well. Most work can be done with those Craftsman or (if your’e lucky) Snap-On wrenches you’ve been using for years. You might need a set of Whitworths as well if you gave in and bought that nice vintage Triumph you’ve always wanted. Besides the basic tools, you’ll be able to fabricate most of the special tools you’ll need, and you’ll have to buy some of the extra-special tools like clutch pullers if you don’t want to wreck parts or track down those tiny bits that scattered all over the floor. I paid Baxter Cycle $30 for a clutch puller for my B50, and it’s some of the best money I ever spent. Don’t throw out those old clutch plates — add handles and they make great clutch tools. Old bikes really are simple devices once you get into them and learn the tricks — remember, they were designed for semi-mass production so the various parts go together logically and easily; you just have to sit and look at them for a while, get into the heads of the guys who designed them and crawl around, and all will soon be clear. Happy wrenching!
Tim says
I learned (DAMHIK) after a while that just ripping into stuff (I am naturally not a patient person) can be very counter productive…. that little handfull of leftover stuff when you’re finished? Yeah, that’s probably important. A manual, and the advent of cheap digital cameras allows you to document your project: How it looked when it was together, how it came apart, what order to put it back together, etc. good fun!
D Man says
I am a hotrodder and the son of a hotrodder. In the early days of MX you HAD to be. If you wanted to race, your only option was to covert a mild-mannered enduro bike into a racer. And even after the european bike began to land, you still had to hotrod your own with porting and suspension work because there was no aftermarket.
In the current age, we almost can’t hotrod our bikes anymore because to be competitive, we have to spend the huge dollars on aftermarket parts others have made for our purchasing pleasure. To be sure, the motorcycles and parts we buy are excellent, but the art of hotrodding is all but gone. Nowadays, if you swap an engine or modify bodywork, you are a anomaly and your bike makes the pages of a magazine. What used to be commonplace is now unusual.
I for one can’t do it anymore. There’s hardly anything more satisfying than creating something unique and amazing with your own mind and hands. I find myself choosing motorcycles that are far from the best performers so I can modify them, improve them, and exercise my creativeness. Along the way, I keep learning more and more and become a better mechanic, welder, body man and rider. And, it makes me very happy!
steve w says
I started pulling wrenches in a bike shop in 1968. Today I probably know more about those early models than anyone working in that same shop. I don’t know a lot of the more recent stuff but most is very similar to some other model. Those were early Honda and british days. I just spoke to my nephew tonight as he is looking at buying a used HD. I said no problem. You find it, I’ll check it out before you buy and i’ll teach you what you need to know so it never sees a dealership. I like simple machines!