Noob learning programme

[rainman]

I'm a bit of a mechanical idiot.... by which I mean I haven't spent the last forty-some years messing around in the gargre pulling engines to pieces... but I'm not stoopid and can learn (and have learned stuff by trying, reading and listening). Although I'm recently back into biking I've forgotten a lot of stuff, and besides when I was younger I just used to ride 'em until they fell to bits.

For big things I take my bike in to a pro to get it serviced, but in between it makes more sense for me to do the maintenance and tinkering. Not just financially, but because the more I understand the more use I'll be if I break down in the middle of nowhere. Also, she's 10 years old so I don't have to worry about warranties...

I can change oil, filters, plugs, coolant and the like, do basic grease and tighten stuff, take on basic electrical problems.... haven't yet bled my front brakes but it looks like something I'd try (carefully). Wouldn't know one end of a carb from the other, though. And I'm not so hot on the cleaning... :)

My questions are, what should I learn next and when should I stop and leave it to the pros? Also, aside from basic spanners, screwdrivers and the like, what is the next major tool group I should be adding to my collection?

My basic approach to life is "how hard can it be?" Generally works out well, but some stuff is really difficult and takes skill. I'm not sure yet that I have the wisdom to tell the difference. :baby:

[Disco Dan]

I'm a bit of a mechanical idiot.... by which I mean I haven't spent the last forty-some years messing around in the gargre pulling engines to pieces... but I'm not stoopid and can learn (and have learned stuff by trying, reading and listening). Although I'm recently back into biking I've forgotten a lot of stuff, and besides when I was younger I just used to ride 'em until they fell to bits.

For big things I take my bike in to a pro to get it serviced, but in between it makes more sense for me to do the maintenance and tinkering. Not just financially, but because the more I understand the more use I'll be if I break down in the middle of nowhere. Also, she's 10 years old so I don't have to worry about warranties...

I can change oil, filters, plugs, coolant and the like, do basic grease and tighten stuff, take on basic electrical problems.... haven't yet bled my front brakes but it looks like something I'd try (carefully). Wouldn't know one end of a carb from the other, though. And I'm not so hot on the cleaning... :)

My questions are, what should I learn next and when should I stop and leave it to the pros? Also, aside from basic spanners, screwdrivers and the like, what is the next major tool group I should be adding to my collection?

My basic approach to life is "how hard can it be?" Generally works out well, but some stuff is really difficult and takes skill. I'm not sure yet that I have the wisdom to tell the difference. :baby:

Head on over to one of the KB spanner nights... Frosty used to do them.. before... *ahem* :Pokey:

I learn by doing. Sometimes I fix it. Sometimes I make it worse. Other times I end up fixing something else that was not even broken.

[rainman]

Head on over to one of the KB spanner nights... Frosty used to do them.. before... *ahem* :Pokey:

Had a bit of a search and these seem to be organised on a fairly ad-hoc basis? Will keep an eye out for the next one, ta.

Also found a link to dansmc.com. Might be doing a bit of reading...

[JMemonic]

Locate the manual for your bike, follow the mileage servicing listed and you are pretty much set.

As for tools well if you work on a starter set of metric ring/open end spanners, a quality 1/2 inch drive socket set, a 1/2 inch drive torque wrench, a set of screwdrivers, a metric set of allen keys wont go astray either again quality is better than quantity. Also handy to have is a multimeter. a tray to drain used oil into a funnel to put the used oil in to a container to take to a disposal place

Any other tools you need you get as the need arises.

Take it slow and easy gaining experience as you go and soon you will be a master of maintaining your bike.