stirring up some trouble!

[ultracyclist]

I would like to learn some of the basic maintenance and related procedures, very much like "gears" at the recent rally. I am relatively new to motorcycling and age 55, and that means that I am considerably older than the typical "gears" folks.

What do you think about the idea of having regional workshops during the summer? Veteran MOA members could teach the shops.

Would this concept enhance or interfere with other rallies?

The only other way that I could attend a workshop is if I joined one of the local clubs, and I simply do not have the time for pre-membershop mandatory rides and meetings. My schedule is nuts enough.

Am I crazy? Have I touched on a raw nerve? Has this been tried before?

This would certainly set us apart from other riding organizations, and could become one heck of a support system.

I will be at the WI rally next year. Maybe I should "crash" the gears presentation with others who are also new to BMW rads....

:laugh

[PHMarvin]

The Airheads Club regularly has "Tech Days", though I've not seen them (or any interest in them) for other bikes. I have a K1100LT and a K75 and would be happy to help out anyone with what I know and learn from what (s)he knows.

[jdiaz]

Pre-membership rides and meetings? Shoot, if regular attendance was mandatory with my local club, we'd only have about 11 full-time members.

The only event we make with any regularity is the one we host at our house each fall to eat pie. :eat

[Belquar]

I believe Paul and Voni Glaves host a rally at their home in Kansas where folks can learn to wrench on their bikes with the assistance of Paul and his tools. Paul is very knowledgeable. He also has tech seminars at the rally where you can ask questions specifically related to your bike which he will take the time to answer or tell you to come see him afterwards.

I like the regional idea as well. I can't ride all the way to Kansas. Plus if you mess up your ride home someone there can probably take you home.

[BouncinBob]

Many local clubs have tune-up days in early spring. The watch and learn type or some the bring your bike and parts and we will help you learn while doing. Ask around.

[BradfordBenn]

You are not the only one who has questions. The local clubs are a great resource for asking questions, as are the forums.

Plus going to a rally and doing some tire kicking and questioning has helped me a lot.

[Hodag]

I know nicks bmw in depere has a few tech days in the winter, covers each type of bike. its a no nonsense Q&A as you go type deal, learning the "right" way and how you would do it at home

[Motorman]

BOO trouble......HOORAY BEER! :stick

[ultracyclist]

We have come full circle: Local clubs (not convenient for me), individual homes, tech days at dealerships, and rallies.

Wouldn't it be nice if the MOA had key people (know what they are doing)in each state who could teach others at a central location? Perhaps the MOA could joint venture with a local dealer for using the facility?

If a local dealer is not available, then use a local tech school. The school would probably charge a nominal fee, but also get some good press in a local paper about doing something a little different and thinking outside the nine dots in the marketing plan.

In this way, the newbies learn, we support our fragile dealer network, and the organization creates more cohesion and member support/interest, and maybe BMW NA would participate in this....after all, we are trying to support the marquee, right?.

The organization has "ambassadors". Why can't we have "Tech Mentors", give them respect, a badge (image of splines and lube crossed), honor them at the rallies, and keep their glasses full of brew (or the beverage of their choice)

I am brainstoming here....

[manicmechanic]

Ping me offline with your questions/concerns. Maybe we can work something out.

[Mika]

What if we had video online that we could access that walked you through various procedures. In addition if the instructor host what ever you call them, would be available online for q&a at various times.

[ultracyclist]

That is a very cool idea.

In the meantime, I am starting to check out motorcycle maintenance classes "101" at various local tech schools. I am a stranger in a strange land.

[ultracyclist]

Manicmechanic--i sent a PM to you

[BradfordBenn]

Ultracyclist

I can tell you that you ain't the only one dreaming of such a team. Not sure what the answer is but there are people thinking about this stuff as well.

[ultracyclist]

I am meeting Randy Boris in Manitowoc, WI.
We are doing a tune up, changing oil, and adjusting valves on his R-GS.
Ultra is about to get down and dirty....and afterwards...a cigar!

[bubbagazoo]

That is a very cool idea.

In the meantime, I am starting to check out motorcycle maintenance classes "101" at various local tech schools. I am a stranger in a strange land.

To that end, I have already signed up for a motorcycle maintenance course that will be taught in March 2007 at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. And I have received my Clymer manual from Amazon. I think I am headed in the right direction.

[ultracyclist]

If I may ask, what is your mechanical background and experience, if any?

[manicmechanic]

Knowing about your bike is not a bad thing, whether you ever intend to do any maintenance yourself or not. For example, when telling a mechanic that it makes this funny noise isn't very helpful. Describing the noise and it's possible origin is more useful. Or, "It just quit!" needs to be explored further. There is a difference in knowing how to do something, and actually being able to do it. Wisdom is knowing the difference.

There have been times when I've taken my bikes into the dealer, just to have somebody else check them out and make sure I haven't missed something.

[bubbagazoo]

If I may ask, what is your mechanical background and experience, if any?

I really don't have any sort of mechanical background. I am a computer technician currently (past 10 years) and was involved with military communications for 18 years. Not much getting my hands greasy in either occupation.

I do pride myself on being able to do many things if I have good instructions and easy to understand illustrations. Using the "Oilhead Maintenance Manual" that I downloaded from the Internet BMW Riders web site, I have changed the rear brake pads on my RT. And, after a brief examination under the fairing, I swapped out the stock horn for one that is a bit louder. I don't yet have the tools or the confidence to get much fancier.

And, I surprise my DSW. 100% male and I read instructions before I start something I have never done before. Everything from assembling furniture (book cases and the like) to removing and replacing toilets. As I get older, I am becoming more of a DIY guy. Either that or too cheap to pay somebody to do it for me (labour at my dealership is $95.00/hour for BMW or Ducati - $85.00/hour for Suzuki or Yamaha).

[bubbagazoo]

Knowing about your bike is not a bad thing, whether you ever intend to do any maintenance yourself or not. For example, when telling a mechanic that it makes this funny noise isn't very helpful. Describing the noise and it's possible origin is more useful. Or, "It just quit!" needs to be explored further. There is a difference in knowing how to do something, and actually being able to do it. Wisdom is knowing the difference.


And this advice is not just for vehicles. I don't know how many times I tell people that "it don't work" does not tell me where to start looking to find out what the problem is with their computer. And then they get annoyed with me when I start asking probative questions to help in my diagnosis. :bluduh