![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Sep 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 140
|
|
Bike Maintainence Course
Hello,
I'm planning an Africa trip next year and I am keen to have some bike maintainence training in preparation. I'm also moving to London (North East) later this week so I was wondering does anyone know of any courses offered/recommended? I enquired at some local colleges in Lancaster a while back for anything, but to no avail. I will be working Mon-Fri 9-5 so I would be looking to do this at evenings or weekends.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Cheers,
Chris
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Sep 2006
|
![maria41's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Animal043.gif) |
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,175
|
|
Merton college
Chris,
I can definitely recommend Merton college (south London). They have various courses on motorcycle mechanics.
If you can, I would suggest to enrole for their 1 yr "City & Guild MC Mechanics Practical skills" (C & G 3991). It started last week and they may have some space left.
The course in now on wednesday evenings from 7 to 9pm. I did it last year and it is very good. I enjoyed it so much I am now doing the advanced one!
They also have various 1 term courses, (part time, generally evenings).
http://www.merton.ac.uk/courses.asp
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
26 Sep 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
|
|
A Suggestion
Find a friend or really good mechanic who knows your bike, ply him/her with food and booze (maybe $ too), tear the bike down (most of it), put it back together, and do all maintenances.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
28 Sep 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 182
|
|
I think you are referring to a 1 to 2 week course rather than a 1 year qualification yes?
Well I know a guy (Heino) who did one so you could email and ask him - namsa at hotmail dot co dot uk
But my recommendation (and this is what I did) is teach yourself by working on your own bike. I bought the Haynes Motorcycle basics Techbook for learning theory, principles how things work etc and my bikes workshop manual (was a Honda Transalp at the time) for working on my specific bike.
I started from knowing nothing about engines, bikes etc etc to completely stripping my whole engine top end down and putting it together again.
I didn't do this as a learning exercise it was actually to check the pistons/rings etc but it taught me a lot. Start by doing all your own maintenance, take everything apart that you can grease/oil/clean yourself. Do your own valve clearance adjustments etc etc. Unless you have a BMW or some such spaceship it's all common sense once you get the hang of it..and fun too!
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
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.
|
|
|