Motorcycle Repair 101?

[Tranquility]

This weekend I had the pleasure of "working on my bike". It was a simple enough job (installing saddlebags) and I felt a tickle of what "real" bikers must feel when completing a serious mod or a critical fix. It felt gooooood. But it also reminded me how completely auto/engine illiterate I am. If my bike punks out on the road, I would have NO idea how to assess the damage or mechanical situation. Seriously: NO idea.

So my question is: what are some recommendations in terms of obtaining a Motorcycle Repair 101 education?

[Dupo]

Hands on is always the best way to learn. Tinker around with your bike ..

Download our service manual and look through it! Study it ... read posts here on the forum. When something small goes wrong with your bike or you want to change something, do it yourself and learn. And of course, post here with questions.

[New GZ250]

Bring your husband with you when you ride. :??:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Tranquility

So my question is: what are some recommendations in terms of obtaining a Motorcycle Repair 101 education?

Auto repair class at a community college.......and join AMA or AAA for roadside service!! :biggrin:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by New GZ250

Bring your husband with you when you ride. :??:

:skull:

Personal foul.
Tranquility gets two free shots !!! :popcorn:

[New GZ250]

[quote=Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by "New GZ250":3hebat3d

Bring your husband with you when you ride. :??:

:skull:

Personal foul.
Tranquility gets two free shots !!! :popcorn:[/quote:3hebat3d]

I have to agree, after I pushed the "submit" button, I realized I blew it! I hope Tranquility will forgive! ( I always take my wife with me, in case we have any mechanical problems) I can't even tie my shoes without her help! Thank God for velcro. :neener:

[Tranquility]

Yes, Mr. New GZ250, Tranquility will forgive ... THIS time. Good back-pedaling. ;-)

Easy Rider, ah yes, feeling the drama already!

Actually, I posed this question to my husband just this morning: "Does AAA cover motorcycles?" Great minds think alike!

[adrianinflorida]

AMA offers it through it's 'Moto-Tow' program:
http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/motow.asp

Some AAA clubs offer recreation vehicle (Motorcycle, trailers, etc) coverage, some don't. Check with your local AAA club.

[Tranquility]

Originally Posted by Dupo

Hands on is always the best way to learn. Tinker around with your bike ..

Download our service manual and look through it! Study it ... read posts here on the forum. When something small goes wrong with your bike or you want to change something, do it yourself and learn. And of course, post here with questions.

This reminds me exactly of when I hooked my Mom up with her first computer. "Mom, you're NOT going to break it, don't be afraid to muck around a little bit, the only way to learn is to do."

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Tranquility

This reminds me exactly of when I hooked my Mom up with her first computer. "Mom, you're NOT going to break it, don't be afraid to muck around a little bit, the only way to learn is to do."

While experience might be the BEST teacher, it is not always easy or pleasant !! :cool: