Fixing Your Bike

[iamjustifyd]

What is it about owning a motorcycle that makes me want to fix it myself? I want to see the inside and get an understanding of how it works even if it's a small bit. I want to clean carburetors and do jet kits. I would absolutely love to get a little bike that needs some TLC off of CL and put it all back together and give a try at painting or something. First I would have to get a shed to work in but that's another story. I've had many cars and have a Tacoma that never once did I ever want to tinker with them. Maybe I find the cars too intimidating and it might very costly if I really messed something up. But to me working on your bike is part of owning it...part of riding one. It just kinda goes hand in hand. Anyone else have this going on?

[primalmu]

Modern cars are very complicated, with lots of extraneous parts that don't really function in the primary purpose of an engine. In general, motorcycles are much simpler (save for bikes like the Goldwing and newer EFI/computerized bikes). I do far more on my bike than I do on my car.

Of course, we also tend to have a much greater emotional connection with our bikes, which means our interest in working on our bikes ourselves is more understandable.

[CookinBeans]

Back off-
You're making the horses nervous.

[Firecracker]

Nah cars and bikes both do it to me. But I have an emotional connection to both of my cars, too. The Jeep is like an annoying little brother you love to beat the crap out of, and my Mustang is ... well, i don't know what she is. The 2nd love of my life.

[Jay550]

Bikes are like toothbrushes. Stay the hell away from mine. You can look but do not touch. Same with cars, trucks, motorhomes, my garage, my woman. Mine, mine, mine. I don't care to share. I don't want to play with yours(well maybe your woman, when you're not looking...), and i expect you don't want to play with mine. It's one thing to look, but something else to touch.

On a related note, I took my kids to a show. There were tons of bikes there. I look away for one second, look back, and my daughter is sitting comfortably on the floorboard of some guy's fatboy. I litterally freaked. From her perspective, it was the perfect height for a 6 year old that had been walking for the past half hour to sit on. From my point of view, touching another mans bike, especially when he's not there and without his approval, is strictly forbidden. And by no means does a child have any business touching someone elses bike. Worst case scenario, bike falls on her. Or the muffler is still hot. countless things could go wrong. And I'd be liable and responsible for anything that happened. On the plus side, my girls now know, never, ever, touch a bike.

[Stainlesstehle]

Nope, I'm just poor. There are a few things I like to do myself cuz I'm picky(read anal) about certain details.
But I'll freely admit that I would pay for a lot of the service it needs if I had the money.

[Eye_m_no_angel]

"What is it about owning a motorcycle that makes me want to fix it myself? I want to see the inside and get an understanding of how it works even if it's a small bit. ...... But to me working on your bike is part of owning it...part of riding one. It just kinda goes hand in hand."

It's called, "Becoming a biker, and not just a rider or enthusiast." And one of the differences between the two is just what you referred to: Knowing your machine, understanding it, and taking care of it. It's the difference between pulling up to a gathering (or posting on the Internet,) and parroting a lot of stuff that you read in magazines about horsepower and cams and what-not, and actually KNOWING what you're talking about and how those things work. It's the satisfaction of having done the maintenance, repair or modifications yourself. It's also the sense of security of knowing you're riding a machine that's as safe and road-ready as it can be because YOU made it that way, and your life isn't in the hands of someone else who may or may not know what they're about.

But be carefull! You're standing on the edge of a slippery slope and it's all downhill from here. <chuckle> When I was a teenager I worked on my bikes because I absolutely couldn't afford to pay anyone else to do it for me. (I still can't, come to think of it.) But also too, it was because I had an insatiable curiosity about how things work.

Over the years I kept working on my bikes and gained knowledge and experience from many sources. Then, after a somewhat violent end to my chosen carreer I was left wondering what to do with my time and I was lucky enough to stumble into a factory training course for the brand of bike I preferred. Following that I bought into a small engine rebuilding shop and was also blessed enough to be able to work for a fairly large independant motorcycle shop. Now that I'm sort-of-almost retired I have a small but loyal, and growing, customer base, and most of my days are spent doing what I love: Working on bikes.

So go on, twist a wrench. Maybe it won't be a major change in your life, but it's already in your blood, and it's a heck of a lot of fun.

[ScrumDown]

I just like working on my own stuff. My cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, my house, (plumbing/painting/etc.). And I do this mainly because I am cheap, when I know its something I can do and two if something goes wrong; there are only 2 reasons. Its my fault or a bad part. 99.8% of the time its a bad part.

[ScrumDown]

"What is it about owning a motorcycle that makes me want to fix it myself? I want to see the inside and get an understanding of how it works even if it's a small bit. ...... But to me working on your bike is part of owning it...part of riding one. It just kinda goes hand in hand."

It's called, "Becoming a biker, and not just a rider or enthusiast." And one of the differences between the two is just what you referred to: Knowing your machine, understanding it, and taking care of it. It's the difference between pulling up to a gathering (or posting on the Internet,) and parroting a lot of stuff that you read in magazines about horsepower and cams and what-not, and actually KNOWING what you're talking about and how those things work. It's the satisfaction of having done the maintenance, repair or modifications yourself. It's also the sense of security of knowing you're riding a machine that's as safe and road-ready as it can be because YOU made it that way, and your life isn't in the hands of someone else who may or may not know what they're about.

But be carefull! You're standing on the edge of a slippery slope and it's all downhill from here. <chuckle> When I was a teenager I worked on my bikes because I absolutely couldn't afford to pay anyone else to do it for me. (I still can't, come to think of it.) But also too, it was because I had an insatiable curiosity about how things work.

Over the years I kept working on my bikes and gained knowledge and experience from many sources. Then, after a somewhat violent end to my chosen carreer I was left wondering what to do with my time and I was lucky enough to stumble into a factory training course for the brand of bike I preferred. Following that I bought into a small engine rebuilding shop and was also blessed enough to be able to work for a fairly large independent motorcycle shop. Now that I'm sort-of-almost retired I have a small but loyal, and growing, customer base, and most of my days are spent doing what I love: Working on bikes.

So go on, twist a wrench. Maybe it won't be a major change in your life, but it's already in your blood, and it's a heck of a lot of fun.

Don't you love it when life kicks you in the head and at the same time gives you lemons?! The funny thing is you went out and bought some vodka to make lemon drops. GOOD ON YA!

[MS_Steve]

I just don't trust some guy at the shop, to put in the care I'd take when working on my bike. He's pulling something off, and slapping something on... the more he does, the more he gets paid (I'm assuming). He doesn't have time to really give a sh!t about your ride.
When I have let the garage work on my car or scooter, I've found bolts on my replaced shocks, just hand tight... had some alignment done on my car, and someone drained my oil.
Screw - them!

[Thom49]

Yeah, I'm with you. I've had expert craftsmen remodel my bathroom, (if I had 2 bathrooms, would have done it myself) and the job was below my standards.
Others doing oil changes in my car; new oil is still dark. Bought jack stands and do my own oil changes. Looking to get motorcycle lift to do what "I" can.
I hate checking work done by others; never good enough.

[unforgiven]

Wrenching is my way of relaxing. I love to mod my rides to make them my own, not have someone else do it for me.

[iamjustifyd]

HHmmm...don't know if I'd call it relaxing. It may start out that way but at some point during the process I get very unrelaxed:D I've been going over to my mechanics house when I have a chance and watching him and another guy work on bikes. He always has a ton of business and even just by watching can get a good idea of how some things go...what to do, not to do. This summer I am taking off of school, just need a break, and spending as much time as I can over there and pick up everything I can

[Stainlesstehle]

Thinking on this today...I came to the realization that if I could afford to pay someone to do the work, then I could afford a GARAGE.
I hate trying to race the sun/weather. I can't sit in the cold like I used to (and that's why I was frostbit) I suppose I would still do it myself, but because I wanted to and could leave it sit when I'm done for the night. Not have to have it all back together before night fall.

[ScrumDown]

I too do not have a garage. And not having a garage does limit what one does to a car/bike/motor. That said, I believe I can talk my divorced neighbor* in to renting me some space in her garage for really cheap.



* She is in her late 50's. She is not a GILF or cougar. So get your heads out of the gutter.

[Stainlesstehle]

* She is in her late 50's. She is not a GILF or cougar. So get your heads out of the gutter.

Nice save:thumbsup:

[Biker Dash]

Hell, the only time I take her to Starting Line is when its something I dont have the means to do, or I feel its something I want some who I TRUST to do the job. Tires is one of those things.

I have replaced the exhaust, replaced the right foot controls, patched a holed clutch cover, advanced the ignition timing, adjusted the valves, rebuilt the carbs, modded the airbox, changed the bar and grips...

Half the fun of owning the bike is tinkering on it.

[Kingshead]

Honda, no repairs needed. Only general maintenance and multitude of modifications to make it my own.

Martin

[Biker Dash]

Honda, no repairs needed. Only general maintenance and multitude of modifications to make it my own.

Martin

Actually, that should be:
"No repairs needed if the rider does not do anything jackassed stupid."
Like I did:thumbsdown:

Hense replacing the exhaust, right foot controls, and patching a holed clutch cover >_<

[iamjustifyd]

From what I understand if I keep the fluids changed like I'm supposed to, cables..chain..bearings lubed...general maintenance stuff the Bandit is pretty solid. I want to learn all that stuff. Most I can do or ask a lot of questions, get the manual out and get it done. For whatever reason I want hands on stuff..I want to see what the insides look like. When I hear of bore and pistons I want to know about them, how they work. I would love to pick up a Honda Night Hawk 750 off of CL that's been sitting up and needs cleaning up.

[iamjustifyd]

Just went to Craigslist and look

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/2234946817.html

Selling 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650,bike has been sitting up for years,will need carb and tank cleaning,battery,etc.Paint on tank is rough,chrome is nice,tires like new and seat is new.Good looking bike,just needs some work.Asking $500

[Kingshead]

Just went to Craigslist and look

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/2234946817.html

Selling 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650,bike has been sitting up for years,will need carb and tank cleaning,battery,etc.Paint on tank is rough,chrome is nice,tires like new and seat is new.Good looking bike,just needs some work.Asking $500

Sounds like just what the Doctor ordered, now just blow the cobwebs out of your wallet and take the plunge.

Martin

[Biker Dash]

Just went to Craigslist and look

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/2234946817.html

Selling 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650,bike has been sitting up for years,will need carb and tank cleaning,battery,etc.Paint on tank is rough,chrome is nice,tires like new and seat is new.Good looking bike,just needs some work.Asking $500

Thats something I would grab in a hurry, if I found nothing wrong with it after inspecting the bike first that would be a deal breaker...

[Eye_m_no_angel]

I tried to warn you, but you're sinking fast. Okay, it's probably much too late anyway and you're well over the edge, so the only thing you can do now is embrace it: You're a gearhead.

All is not lost though. One good thing is you now have a reason to buy more tools!



Just went to Craigslist and look

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/2234946817.html

Selling 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650,bike has been sitting up for years,will need carb and tank cleaning,battery,etc.Paint on tank is rough,chrome is nice,tires like new and seat is new.Good looking bike,just needs some work.Asking $500

[iamjustifyd]

Yep, I have about a year until I plunge into something tho. I need to get some other things in order first. Gotta get the parents in line with this cause I'm gonna need a place to work which means putting up something in the backyard. It's gonna be a kinda big cost just getting a place to work in. No cement down to put anything, portable shed or have a little something built...those kind of things

[Kingshead]

Yep, I have about a year until I plunge into something tho. I need to get some other things in order first. Gotta get the parents in line with this cause I'm gonna need a place to work which means putting up something in the backyard. It's gonna be a kinda big cost just getting a place to work in. No cement down to put anything, portable shed or have a little something built...those kind of things

Hoe old ARE you, PARENTS consent?

Martin

[ScrumDown]

I too do not have a garage. And not having a garage does limit what one does to a car/bike/motor. That said, I believe I can talk my divorced neighbor* in to renting me some space in her garage for really cheap.
* She is in her late 50's. She is not a GILF or cougar. So get your heads out of the gutter.

I moved the bike into her 2 car garage today. It feels awesome to have some garage space again. Now I just have to save the scratch to pay for the parts and tools. YAY ME! :D

[iamjustifyd]

After Katrina I moved back in with my parents and I am still here. We are all ok with me being here so it's all good for now. So yeah, while I am in their house I can't just go making changes to the place. Things may change after I get out of school...just don't know what the future holds right now. But for right now I am here and I actually kinda like it. I don't have kids so it's just me here. Glad I get to enjoy them and be with them right now while everyone is healthy. Seems like all my friends parents are getting sick with some serious stuff.

[Kingshead]

After Katrina I moved back in with my parents and I am still here. We are all ok with me being here so it's all good for now. So yeah, while I am in their house I can't just go making changes to the place. Things may change after I get out of school...just don't know what the future holds right now. But for right now I am here and I actually kinda like it. I don't have kids so it's just me here. Glad I get to enjoy them and be with them right now while everyone is healthy. Seems like all my friends parents are getting sick with some serious stuff.

Sounds great, if the 2 sons I have still living at home never decide to leave that would be all right with me. I'm sure your parents feel the same way, there is nothing to compare to the love a parent has for a child. When you have your own some day you will understand this and realise this is the best present you could ever give them.

Martin

[Firecracker]

wow my mom was pretty glad to see my backside ...

[Kingshead]

wow my mom was pretty glad to see my backside ...

Mine were charging me rent while I was paying my own way through college, a new car, insurance, etc. etc. Figured if I was going to pay for everything anyways (had been since age 15) might as well be in my own place, not sharing a room with my younger brother. Moved out at 18 and never looked back.

Martin

[iamjustifyd]

Well, I'm 44 and not having kids, never wanted any. Pay them rent but not like I would if I had my own place. Hate to say it but I can see my parents getting older now. Can't quite keep up the way they used to. I help them out around the house as much as I can with cleaning and grass cutting, groceries...
Our relationship has grown so much better than it was before and I am very glad of that and I know they are too. I don't have money for my own house right now and they don't want me paying rent for an apartment. Maybe once I'm out of school...better paying job (I hope) have some money saved up. If I move out it will be into my own house and I do not want to buy in Louisiana! Mom doesn't want me going. My sister works in Fl. and Al. and when she's off she comes home. My brother moved about an hour away and my parents are very close to my nephews. They want the kids close. I can see myself staying here and actually helping them more with things when I can get a better job. Glad they are around:thumbsup:

[Blaine]

Most I can do or ask a lot of questions, get the manual out and get it done.

I'm a truck mechanic by trade, but have long lost the enthusiasm of working on most things. However I still enjoy working on my bikes, I have two old Goldwings, an 80 and an 83.
You have the right idea, ask a lot of questions, and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS because that is where so many people get messed up working on their own cars, trucks, or motorcycles. I don’t profess to be a motorcycle mechanic, but I can read and follow instructions. Having the proper tools for any given job is also critically important.

[??]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to know how things work or how to fix them if they don't work. I started tinkering with cars when I was 16 and got my first car. I took a class in high school and that is where I got the taste of motorcycle repair, it all went down hill from there, lol. I actually met my husband when I was 21 while outside changing the oil in my Ninja. He came up and asked if I needed any help, I said "sure, you can hand me the tools". Funny thing is he said ok and handed me the tools. but for the last 20 some years whenever I start working on something he comes up and trys to do it for me. He just doen't understand that I like to do it.