Would anyone be interested in attending a weekend (basic) bike mechanics course, with a qualified bike mechanic?

You'd be servicing your own bike as you learn - so your bike gets some TLC too!

After my own frustrating experience, of trying to learn what I need - even the BASIC stuff (and later on more advanced things like rebuilding my engine) - I thought it would be a BRILLIANT idea to put together a few FOCUSSED, INTENSIVE lessons, learning on your OWN BIKE.

I was lucky to have access to a BRILLIANT qualified bike mechanic (a.k.a "The Bike Whisperer") - but still only when he had free time to help!


I figured a 'HANDS ON' course, where you're actually shown how to do stuff - and then actually DO IT on your OWN BIKE (with the Bike Whisperer supervising and advising), would be perfect. I'll arrange for basic service parts & tools to be on hand - or people can bring their own.


If I can get an idea of how many people would actually be interested, I can work out the details such as WHERE... HOW MUCH IT WILL COST... WHEN... etc.



OBVIOUSLY -- if there is a demand for more ADVANCED lessons... I can look into it... perhaps focussed on ONE aspect, e.g. replacing valves...? Let me know.



From my own experience, I made a list of things I would have wanted on a 'Beginners Course':.. you guys might have some more ideas?

1. Tune up:
- Setting valve clearances
- Adjusting idling speed
- Servicing spark plug / learning to 'read it' for diagnostics
- Checking ignition timing
- Checking compression
- Checking & adjusting decompression system

2. General service:
- Draining & replacing engine oil, replacing oil filter, checking hoses & gaskets
- Replacing / servicing air filter & hoses
- Checking fuel lines / installing fuel filter
- Servicing forks & replacing fork oil
- Servicing chain

Brakes:

- Servicing & adjusting cables/rods
- Servicing & replacing pads / shoes & bleeding brakesystem

3. Electrics:
- Servicing wiring & connectors (weather proofing)
- Testing charging system

4. BASIC diagnostics... checking for spark... electrics testing... etc. etc.


AND OTHER THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT... like how to use your tools correctly.... and WHAT tools to use!

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Hey,

Yep, I'd be iunterested in this, esp the working on my own bike bit. I've had new bikes of late and stuff has been done under warranty, although I've got a reasonable idea. But I've now got an old Serow too, and a bit of practice on that would be good.

Belle

I'd be up for that without a doubt as i'm totally lacking in that department.

Yep, put me down for the course.

Ste

Yup, sounds good, I'm in.

This is what both myself and my better half have been looking for, we're pretty much clueless when it comes to maintenance but would love to learn!

So yeah, two here!

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99 Adventures - It's about the things we do, the people we meet and the places we see.

I would like to be part of this lessons too. Count me in.

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Possibly, depends where and when
atb Floyd

Looks like there's something already going on in this field within the London / Hammersmith area: Macbeth Centre (MAC), Macbeth Street, W6 9JJ.

Here's the linky; and
Location

Wished I lived closer to a centre that runs these sorts of courses ..



.

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Right Way Round ...

As is the way with forums someone always comes along a little late and say their bit!

Well this time it's me If you are still thinking of doing this or doing it again because it was successful the first time then I would like to know more. I have an idea of what I'm doing, chain and sprockets, brake pads\hoses etc. But someone to actually let me know what all is well with my work or point me in the right direction would be great. And I daren't even look at a carb' let alone strip one down

Simon

Maybe I could even get my girlfriend to come along and take some of the pressure off me to fix, tighten, oil everything

Would definitely be interested subject to location and time etc. Is it still being planned or have I missed it already?

Also very keen if this is still going to take place or run again

Just for those subcribing to this thread, we've finally put a course together -- details on this thread

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