Mechanical knowhow
 

I'm based in the UK, near Birmingham and want to do a bike maintainance course so I feel comfortable going on a long trip with my Transalp. Does anyone know of such a course, anywhere?

Not really near Birmingham, but you did say anywhere: Merton College (it might be a university now) in South London do courses and I believe a college in Hackney also do them. IF you can't get on a course Haynes do a couple of books - one on motorcycle workshop practice and one on motorcycle basics.