P.s. people learn all this stuff because they enjoy it. Motorcycles aren't intrinsically unreliable or prone to breaking. And even when they do you usually get enough warning or can keep doing until you're somewhere sometime can help.

You probably have a car you get services every once in a while and never had much trouble with. Its the same deal just service a bit more.

Also motorcycles are pretty easy to chuck in the back of a van or lorry so even in a worst case scenario you're not going to be stuck too long.

I don't know why local shops would be incompetent, they're probably going to be a lot more proficient than most here. I'm not saying don't learn your bike a bit ie. What fluids it takes and common problems but you don't need to take mechanic classes IMO.

Depends where you are in terms of good or bad shops.
Much of the world's shops are car mechanics, not bikes. In Asia and other areas, more bikes, so all good. But even there ... There are good ... and bad. Trust me on this one mate.

The suggestion to take "mechanic classes" was ONLY meant for the OP to learn the bare basics you've listed in your post above. No Novice mechanic is going to learn to do a total rebuild in a month long class anyway, not a chance.

We're only suggesting he learn the BARE basics ... which the OP does not currently know. Stuff you take for granted (see your long list) he, apparently has never done, he's never owned a bike or ridden much either. So it's baby steps here.

But I agree with your point: It's absurd to carry all the crap to do a major repair. Carry just enough to do very basic maintenance. (Oil changes, tires, chain, sprockets, bearings (maybe) fuses, battery, bulbs, that's about it.

Spares might consist of a spare cable or two, tubes, front sprocket, bulbs, fuses, set of brake pads, fork seals and a spare Nut/Bolt kit. Anything serious, seek out the best guy you can lay hands on and PRAY.

If a new rider starts with a new, near new or very well set up bike, then a lot of common problems will be avoided straight away. A travel bike should start a major trip with:
New tires/tubes
Fresh Oil/filter
Valves recently checked
new battery, all electrics checked confirmed good
New chain and sprockets. (quality items, no Crap)
All bearings checked and serviced.
New brake pads and brakes serviced.

That's about it. Hit the road, do what you can along the way.

I wouldn't be comfortable going more than 1,000 km away without knowing how to plug a tire or change a tube and patch the puncture so I'd still be ready for the next. It's the problem that can pop up anywhere with no warning. Mollydog hinted that new tires reduce the chance of puncture but on a longer trip worn tires are inevitable.

As far as learning -- a lot of mechanical repairs have the same steps and require a feel for the parts that comes only from practice. How tight to tighten a bolt or screw into steel or aluminum. The oil change from the OP will be cleaner when a mechanic knows the feel of a drain bolt that has just one last thread engaged -- another half-turn and oil's coming out. The feel of a part that requires some force and a part that's being forced where it shouldn't be are different. A class may help with some of this, but practice can help over a longer period and throw in an occasional lesson on troubleshooting.

I agree with twowheels03 that it's GREAT to know limitations and think about how to go forward.

I hope the plan isn't to start with the first long trip being RTW; I'd say start with learning to fix tires and shorter trips then work patiently through the maintenance procedures as miles pile up.

There is the other option. Buy a popular model running used bike to practice on.
Something that you can abuse and in the worst case scenario..... dump. Too many of us try to 'keep it new' as opposed to realizing that a bike is nothing more than a tool to get us on the road.

Try not to let a shiny new paint job interfere with the turning of a wrench. At least buy a used lawn mower engine from the junk yard and take it apart. What's there to lose? Best way to learn is by doing.

I might be stating the obvious here, but looking through this thread, one contact you need to make has not been suggested ( if it has, I've missed it somewhere and apologise).

Contaxct the manufacturer and tell them what you are going to do with your bike and ask them if they can either give you a half days maintenance course on the bike, or suggest a dealer who can help you. I have not come across a Manuf yet who won't help. it's their product and it's good publicity for them if they do it. Also you may end up with some free spare parts for your trip.

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-''It is better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction''. ( Herman Siu)
-'' Live life then give life '' (www.lltgl.org.uk)

Really happy and grateful for all of your help & ideas

I'm currently re-thinking about the bike choice as my 12-year-old SL230 suffered a little bit of oil leak. Though it has been fixed easily by smearing gasket maker (not done by me of course), this makes me think about switching to a brand new bike. Maybe Yamaha XT250, fuel injected.

Hello
Don't worry to much.
All you need to know is how to use a screwdriver and a wrench.
Not to forget the good old hammer and duct tape, fixes nearly everything.
If you go to remote places you should be able to remove the wheels, if you have tubes.
As said before get a relatively new bike, best japanese, nothing to hightech.
A lot of bikers with nearly pro mechanical skills will never hit the road because they know that they can't take there torque-limiting wrench and fix a broken gearbox in the middle of nowhere.
On my 24 month RTW I had to rely on local mechanics to service my bike.
Met some incredible idiots but my XT660Z Tenere didn't mind.
You have the dream, that's all you need, make it happen.
sushi

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My RTW:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrXt660ztenere

I can change a tyre on my 4x4, change an fuel filtre or something similar, but not much more. I know that I need help if something happens.

I can live with that. I need also help when I need a doctor. At home I also need help when something in my flat is broken.

I can`t repair my washing machine, my dishwasher, can not fix my toilet flushing, cannot fix my heater, i cannot fix my TV. In my daily live I regulary need help if something goes wrong.

I drive a new car with much electronic stuff. I know that I have to get the car to a capital, if something is wrong abroad.

When we read some travelblogs, we see too these older less electronical cars who needs to be carried away.

For shure it is good when you know that you can fix some issues by yourself. Too it is helpful when also the guys in the smaller towns are able to repair your vehicle. But it is not required for travelling.

Go out and enjoy.


Surfy

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Trans-Africa over the west coast