Motorcycle Maintenance Course

[jrob0311]

Can anyone recommend a decent introductory motorcycle maintenance course in the UK? Having looked on the net all I can find is correspondence course which seems a bit pointless. Might as well just follow the manual. Am happy to have a go but would prefer doing so under the watchful eye of someone who knows whet they are doing!!!

Currently living near Geneva so anywhere in the UK would be fine - just as long as the course is in English rather than French, German, Italian .....

Cheers

Jules

[Walkabout]

You could try this:-

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...al-stuff-27640

I have found it very useful.

[Stephano]

Originally Posted by jrob0311

Can anyone recommend a decent introductory motorcycle maintenance course in the UK?

This is a well established one:
Motorcycle Mechanics Practical Skills

Merton College


Morden Park
London Road
Merton
SM4 5QX
Surrey
I'm thinking about it myself one day.

Stephan

[Martynbiker]

I know its not a mechanics course..... BUT, changing Tubes is a pain in the Ass!, Punctures on the trail are no fun....this guy has done a real nice step by step.

How to change a rear tire inner tube on the trail walk thru - ADVrider

Martyn

[phoenix]

I'm currently doing the intro course in Merton College (I think it's called "Motorcycle Practical Skills"), and it's exactly what it should be for a 2 hour a week course (IMHO). It covers all the basic but important stuff, from rear wheel alignment and chain tensioning, engine principles, carb adjustment, cleaning, some introductory electrical (so far), forks, valve adjustment, top end strip, etc. The class is a mix of people with varying mechanical experience, so everyone is catered for.

It's located about 10 mins walk from Merton tube station, so it's accessible.

They do an advanced course as well, which I'll definitely be signing up for (I originally wanted to sign up for that, but figured it would be safer to get some grounding done first, which I'm glad I did, as I've learned lots).

They recommend a few of the Haynes books, which accompany the workshop work quite well. I can dig out the ISBNS / titles if anyone is interested.

Stephan, Jules, I can definitely recommend it, without any doubts at all.

[Macp1]

Agree with you there!

I did that course last year and found it very good - what the blokes down there don't know about fixing a bike isn't worth knowing. It's great not only for the how to do stuff but the wealth of little tips and short-cuts you learn when you are there. Highlight of the week

I was so impressed I signed up for the advanced course (next door) and it's again very good - same areas covered but in more depth.

[phoenix]

I just realised that the course title was already in Stephano's post... d'oh!

Yeah, I'm looking forward to getting back to the course after Christmas.. fancy that!

Do Geoff and his beautiful assistant Ernie do the advanced course as well then?

[mattcbf600]

Agree with you guys! The Merton course is wonderful.

I did it last year with MacP - I had a basic mech background, and spent my original college days learning how to service jet engines, it's amazing how different the motorcycle engine is.

The certificate now adorns my garage wall, and the knowlage I got from it has saved my bank account no end... I feel an awful lot more confident of heading into Russia with what they tought me.

As MacP says, what they don't know 'aint worth learning.

m

[Stephano]

So what does it cost please?
Stephan

[mattcbf600]

Originally Posted by Stephano

So what does it cost please?
Stephan

The course page is at

Merton College | Course Information |

But there's no cost on the Merton site this year - last year is cost £400.

m

[Macp1]

That's about right

[phoenix]

I think it cost slightly more than that (not sure of exact figure). Worth every penny though, in my opinion! I remember having hassle trying to find out the price last year too though.

[*Touring Ted*]

Wirral Metropoliton College in the North West of England do a course.

2 days a week from Sept-May

[kinvig]

I'll be doing this one from 9th Jan:

Hammersmith And Fulham Adult Education Service: Motorcycle Maintenance courses and reviews at Hammersmith And Fulham Adult Education Service:

[mattcbf600]

Originally Posted by kinvig

I'll be doing this one from 9th Jan:

Hammersmith And Fulham Adult Education Service: Motorcycle Maintenance courses and reviews at Hammersmith And Fulham Adult Education Service:

Would be keen to hear how that one goes... do they do an 'advanced' course?

m