Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
Bike Maintenance / Mechanics Course - Interested?

Would anyone be interested in attending a weekend (basic) bike mechanics course, with a qualified bike mechanic?

You'd be servicing your own bike as you learn - so your bike gets some TLC too!


After my own frustrating experience, of trying to learn what I need - even the BASIC stuff (and later on more advanced things like rebuilding my engine) - I thought it would be a BRILLIANT idea to put together a few FOCUSSED, INTENSIVE lessons, learning on your OWN BIKE.

I was lucky to have access to a BRILLIANT qualified bike mechanic (a.k.a "The Bike Whisperer") - but still only when he had free time to help!


I figured a 'HANDS ON' course, where you're actually shown how to do stuff - and then actually DO IT on your OWN BIKE (with the Bike Whisperer supervising and advising), would be perfect. I'll arrange for basic service parts & tools to be on hand - or people can bring their own.


If I can get an idea of how many people would actually be interested, I can work out the details such as WHERE... HOW MUCH IT WILL COST... WHEN... etc.



OBVIOUSLY -- if there is a demand for more ADVANCED lessons... I can look into it... perhaps focussed on ONE aspect, e.g. replacing valves...? Let me know.



From my own experience, I made a list of things I would have wanted on a 'Beginners Course':.. you guys might have some more ideas?

1. Tune up:
- Setting valve clearances
- Adjusting idling speed
- Servicing spark plug / learning to 'read it' for diagnostics
- Checking ignition timing
- Checking compression
- Checking & adjusting decompression system


2. General service:
- Draining & replacing engine oil, replacing oil filter, checking hoses & gaskets
- Replacing / servicing air filter & hoses
- Checking fuel lines / installing fuel filter
- Servicing forks & replacing fork oil
- Servicing chain

Brakes:

- Servicing & adjusting cables/rods
- Servicing & replacing pads / shoes & bleeding brakesystem


3. Electrics:
- Servicing wiring & connectors (weather proofing)
- Testing charging system

4. BASIC diagnostics... checking for spark... electrics testing... etc. etc.


AND OTHER THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT... like how to use your tools correctly.... and WHAT tools to use!
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NFA
Posts: 222
Hey,

Yep, I'd be iunterested in this, esp the working on my own bike bit. I've had new bikes of late and stuff has been done under warranty, although I've got a reasonable idea. But I've now got an old Serow too, and a bit of practice on that would be good.

Belle
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Jun 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dartmoor UK
Posts: 4
I'd be up for that without a doubt as i'm totally lacking in that department.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Jul 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Warrington
Posts: 15
Yep, put me down for the course.

Ste
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Jul 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 49
Yup, sounds good, I'm in.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jul 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 23
This is what both myself and my better half have been looking for, we're pretty much clueless when it comes to maintenance but would love to learn!

So yeah, two here!
__________________
99 Adventures - It's about the things we do, the people we meet and the places we see.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jul 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Charleston SC
Posts: 57
I'm in too

I would like to be part of this lessons too. Count me in.
__________________
MotoNomadas Team
Find us on Facebook: MotoNomadas
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Jul 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
Possibly, depends where and when
atb Floyd
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Jul 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Looks like there's something already going on in this field within the London / Hammersmith area: Macbeth Centre (MAC), Macbeth Street, W6 9JJ.

Here's the linky; and
Location

Wished I lived closer to a centre that runs these sorts of courses ..



.
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Sep 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: london
Posts: 7
As is the way with forums someone always comes along a little late and say their bit!

Well this time it's me If you are still thinking of doing this or doing it again because it was successful the first time then I would like to know more. I have an idea of what I'm doing, chain and sprockets, brake pads\hoses etc. But someone to actually let me know what all is well with my work or point me in the right direction would be great. And I daren't even look at a carb' let alone strip one down

Simon

Maybe I could even get my girlfriend to come along and take some of the pressure off me to fix, tighten, oil everything

Last edited by simon_temple; 25 Sep 2009 at 15:10. Reason: went away an learnt to spell...
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Sep 2009
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 22
Would definitely be interested subject to location and time etc. Is it still being planned or have I missed it already?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Also very keen if this is still going to take place or run again
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 18 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Posts: 301
Just for those subcribing to this thread, we've finally put a course together -- details on this thread
__________________

Some great quote about hard core travel that nobody has said yet.[/URL]
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Not sure where to post this....bike maintenance courses.... J1mbo Tech 12 16 Jun 2009 17:40
Anyone interested in a UK registered bike in Turkey - available 18th June tdsfox Trip Transport 1 6 May 2008 21:21
your ideas and mods: basic Honda maintenance schedule/repair manual acjeske Honda Tech 3 4 May 2007 22:34
Bike Maintenance Courses Berkshire, or London stfox Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 2 11 Oct 2005 22:15
Basic Bike Maintenance Rowey Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 1 27 Aug 2001 20:53

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:56.