What's the best way to learn?

[stelartia]

what id like to do, is learn how to maintain my own bike/learn how to know what needs doing/fixing

one option is going on courses. ive been looking for a basic motorcycle mechanics course but am having difficulty in figuring what would be the best course to begin with. MIT used to have one that is similar to basic car maintenance but that isnt available anymore.

the other option i was thinking about asking a workshop if i can spend time there on my off shifts to see what they do and how they do it. i dont like to feel that im in the way so that option daunts me a touch

any suggestions on the best way to learn the mechanical side of bikes?

[Macktheknife]

Any specific questions you have can be put on here and you will get heaps of info and probably a few offers of help to achieve it. From time to time some of the mechanically minded guys do 'classes' for newbies on basic maintenance so look out for those.
You can try your local bike shop and see if they mind you coming in but don't hold out a lot of hope, they are often too busy.

[Ghost Lemur]

I'm finding the best way is by breaking my bike and being forced to work on it. There's no courses here in Christchurch, so for techinical issues/questions it's KB and the internet in general that I'm relying on.

[xwhatsit]

I'm finding the best way is by breaking my bike and being forced to work on it. There's no courses here in Christchurch, so for techinical issues/questions it's KB and the internet in general that I'm relying on.

I did the same thing. It's much more expensive, though, and you don't get to ride the bike so much. Still lots of fun, though.

[stelartia]

thanks guys

[mstriumph]

....................

any suggestions on the best way to learn the mechanical side of bikes?

you COULD fast-track the process by dating a motorcycle mechanic ...
otherwise
get the service manual for your particular bike

get tools specific to your sort of bike

get somewhere undercover where you can work on your bike without causing $$$$ damage to soft furnishings

haunt KB and pester everyone with daft questions ............. until one day you realise that YOU are the one the newbies are pestering with daft questions

[Bangbug]

Search old threads, there is an answer to all questions somewhere. It's groundhogs day in here.
Find someone who will show you how to do x and y. Post up wot bike you have and someone will be happy to show ya (been there done that mentality) I have a couple of people who come and ask questions and stuff now and then. It's good for me cuz i have to fake it till I make it :P lol :P
Best of luck, and above all else, DON'T BE AFRAID TO PLAY/TINKER/FUCKABOUTWITH

[Disco Dan]

what id like to do, is learn how to maintain my own bike/learn how to know what needs doing/fixing

*Magic*

[Big Chim]

I put my 250 together from 2 broken bikes, that was a good learning curve

[frogfeaturesFZR]

PM Placidfemme, shes running a 'spanner night ' might be just what you're after.

[rookie]

Seriously...

A good way to learn is to keep putting your bike in the shop to get fixed until you run out of money....then you start trying things yourself without further motivation.

Worked for me