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6 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NFA
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Do it
Hey guys,
I'm doing the Merton College course at the moment - its very good, very hands on and stuff that you could do with knowing, and Greg and Ern are two top blokes. They know their stuff, but also know the shortcuts, tips and handy little tricks that will keep you going. It'  s not cheap - but it is well worth it. Do it - you won't regret it.
Regards
Belle
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8 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Between London & Singapore
Posts: 153
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Hopefully I'll see you there then Belle!
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9 Feb 2009
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The franglais-riders
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
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I did the introduction course that you mentioned (back in 2006) at merton college . And then the Advanced course, the following year. It covered a bit electrics but not much.
Both were very good. Shame Howard is gone he was great.
I certainly recommend it.
Electrics can be tricky as I found out during my year in south America. Most of the problems related to my bike were electrics. Learning a bit there could be useful.
Learn what the Voltage regulator does. It is easy to replace. Learn how to do it.
About Batteries, how to replace it, test is, how to jump start from another vehicule.
Pack a voltmeter. Even better, fit a voltmeter so that you can monitor if your battery is charging (and hence if your VR is working).
Just these few bits could save you a lot of trouble on the road...
If you ride an F650 make sure you fit a SEALED battery. The idiotic position of the oil tank next to the battery will cause the battery to dry and in turn can cause many problems...
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10 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sunderland, UK
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I've got to ask, how mechanically competent are you? If you're reasonably OK with the spanners and capable of a basic service on a car, changing its brakes and suspension components then you'll learn more from buying a knackered old bike and stripping/rebuilding it with the help of a Haynes manual.
Many faults on modern bikes are electrical so this course not covering it is a mistake. Definitely buy a multimeter, learn how to use it properly and don't even think about making do with a test lamp as they can wreck havoc with electronics, particularly fuel injection circuits.
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11 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Between London & Singapore
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Hi Craig,
I can only do the VERY basics. I could change brake pads etc but not much more. Part of the reason for wanting to do this course is learn the shortcuts, tricks and to understand what faults cause what problems etc.
Being able to change,fix or service those parts that tend to wear/fail will just give me an awful lot of confidence, and if nothing else will mean i'm more likely to try and save cash and carry out some servicing myself.
Living in London, the required space for a spare bike to practice on just isn't feasible and i can say with a degree of certainty that my better half would be less than impressed if bits of bike started appearing around the house!....
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13 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sunderland, UK
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In that case, the course could be just right for you. Bear in mind that there's a huge difference in courses like this aimed at DIY owner/riders/drivers compared to the course your mate is doing which is aimed at the motor trade, even at fast-fit and NVQ entry level. However, being an informed participant in the discussion when you book your bike in at the dealer may ensure that the work you pay for, actually gets done!
I would ask about bringing your own bike into the workshop so you can learn about problems specific to your bike, but don't be surprised if they say no due to H&S and litigation reasons.
Get a copy of your bike's workshop manual and also copy of the Haynes Motorcycle Basics Techbook. Reading the relevant section of the Techbook after each workshop session will help you understand the task which may help with diagnosing problems, even if you then resort to a dealer to fix them.
Good Luck!
Motorcycle Basics Techbook (Haynes Techbooks): Amazon.co.uk: Matthew Coombs, Pete Shoemark: Books
Last edited by craig76; 13 Feb 2009 at 13:49.
Reason: Link added
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20 Apr 2009
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 49
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I've been looking for something like this as well, if anyone knows of somewhere in the Nottinghamshire area I'd appreciate it - so far I've come up with nothing.
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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...
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
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Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
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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.
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.
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