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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2010
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Course: Basic Motorcycle Mechanics & Maintenance
Learn basic maintenance by servicing your own bike over a week-end, under supervision of a qualified bike mechanic.


OK bikers & bikerettes – I've had enough interest in this, that its time to put the idea into practice.


I will be back in the UK by the end of June, so that is when I've arranged the first course for.


I wish we could do this for free - but after paying people at least their expenses, sorting out dry, warm facilities where we can work and sleep (and shower) for the weekend etc. The cost will be around £85.23 per bike for the 2 days.


I will buy lubricants, cleaners etc. in bulk, so we can all save. (And you don't have to ride with bottles of icky stuff in your luggage)

Will arrange to have tools available which people may not have - will sort this out on a one-to-one basis.



Only 8 bikes can be worked on at a time - so book your space now.

COURSE DETAILS:


Where: Near Kendal in the gorgeous country side of Cumbria



When: 18 - 20 June 2010


Accomodation: (2 nights) Bunk type barn with shower/bathroom facilities & kitchen. Bring your sleeping bag.


Meals: Group catering for breakfast & light lunch. Tea & coffee. Pub meal at night (pay your own). I quite like the idea of getting some of the local people involved, maybe arrange a hog roast or lamb or something for the evenings. Will get back to you with costs etc.




-- SAVE THE DATE --
I will follow this in the next few days with complete details about the contents of the course & other details.

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  #2  
Old 15 Mar 2010
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Basic Motorcycle Mechanics - Course Outline
OK guys, a rough outline of what we 'll aim to cover over the weekend.

If there are specific things not listed that you're interested to learn - let me know.

COURSE CONTENTS:

Fault Finding
• Basics
Tools
• Good practice & tips
Brakes
• Checks for brakes
• Replace brake pads
• Checks for hoses
Wheels
• Checks
• How to adjust spokes
• Check bearings
Swingarm
• Checks
• Lubricate
Fuel lines
• Checks
Spark plug
• Checks
• Clean and regap & replace
Valves
• Check valve clearance & adjust
Air filter element
• Clean & replace
Clutch
• Checks
• Adjust
Drive chain
• Checks
• Adjust
• Clean and lubricate.
Steering
• Checks
• Lubricate
Fasteners
• Checks
Sidestand
• Checks
• Lubricate
Forks
• Checks
Shocks
• Checks
Carburetor
• Checks
• Adjustments
Engine oil
• Change & replace filter
Lights & switches
• Checks
• Adjust headlights
Battery
• Best practice & tips on maintenance
• Checks
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Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Last edited by XT GIRL; 18 Mar 2010 at 17:20. Reason: Typos - added some info
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  #3  
Old 18 Mar 2010
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Count Me In
I'd be up for this weekend, it's about time i learned some maintenance skills.

Having said that i will still retain the right to push my bike over, kick it and go off in a huff like i've been doing for the past thirty years or so.

Roamer
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  #4  
Old 19 Mar 2010
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Me please - definitely need a bit of this!

Belle
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  #5  
Old 19 Mar 2010
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Hi,

Yup, I'd definitely be interested in coming along.

Alex
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  #6  
Old 19 Mar 2010
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Hi,sounds great, unfortunately work commitments mean these dates are no good for me,are you planning any more courses after this one?
Andy
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Old 20 Mar 2010
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Definatly intrested, but am working at that week-end,
Out of intrest whose bike would ppl be working on? our own.

I looked at doing night school bike mechinics but missed the dateto register & would need to have shift changed to start an hour later.
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  #8  
Old 20 Mar 2010
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XT Girl

If places are still available, I'd like to be included please. Great idea.

Thanks

Simon
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  #9  
Old 24 Mar 2010
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Sounds cool XT girl

Any chance you will be able to give tips to guys with Bavarian tractors that think they know it all?
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  #10  
Old 20 Apr 2010
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Count me in please
Hi XT Girl. Great idea.

Please count me in (hopefully there is still availability) and advise me what arrangements are for confirming booking/paying in advance etc etc.

I have a KTM 950, but dont hold that against me
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  #11  
Old 7 May 2010
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Hello everyone!
OK - I'm back on line and am putting together the details etc.

Will post a little registration form in the next few days.

For those who asked about other dates - definitely! If we get enough people together, we can keep doing it.

Also - I'm thinking we might follow up the basic course, with something more detailed and specific - lets gauge demand.
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  #12  
Old 7 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by weaklinks View Post
Sounds cool XT girl

Any chance you will be able to give tips to guys with Bavarian tractors that think they know it all?
Ofcourse!

I have one tip: Buy a Jap.
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  #13  
Old 7 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Selous View Post
Definatly intrested, but am working at that week-end,
Out of intrest whose bike would ppl be working on? our own.

I looked at doing night school bike mechinics but missed the dateto register & would need to have shift changed to start an hour later.
Let me know when will be more suitable for you - we might be able to put something together.
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  #14  
Old 7 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by holodragon View Post
Hi,sounds great, unfortunately work commitments mean these dates are no good for me,are you planning any more courses after this one?
Andy
Leat me know when will work for you.
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  #15  
Old 8 May 2010
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Hi XT,
Will check the calender as I do very odd shifts & will get back to you.
Selous if your reading this maybe we could travel up together?
Andy
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