Ideas for "Tech Nights"

[john1691]

I am getting involved in a local riding group through a church that includes all brands, and all levels of rider skills. As a way to keep poeple involved over the winter months, I have suggested "Tech Nights" to help those who have little or no experiance maintaining their own rides. Since it is an all brands group, can anyone think of generic information any rider should know when out on the rode? I have suggested a tire plugging lesson (I don't reccomend riding too long on a plug, but it should get you home), and proper belt/chain maintenance, any other ideas?

The goal isn't to take work from local shops, but to teach basic skills for regular maintenance as well as on the rode break downs/emergencies.

Thanks for any ideas you can come up with. The better maintained and safe all bikes on the road are, the better it is for all riders. And, if I can convert a couple riders over to BMW, (and the MOA) all the better!

[PAULBACH]

GPS 101?

GPS routing? Saving a route. Exchanging routes between GPS? Garmin might even help out. Would not hurt to ask if they have "classroom materials."

[86755]

OLF! Oil Lube Filter(s)

[Braddog]

Paul did some great seminars on stuff like this at the national rally. He covered basic maintenance items quite thoroughly, as I recall. Depending on what types of motorcycles are in your group, degree of difficulty and overall methods are going to vary, but should be doable.

I would think things like oil/filter changes, checking tire pressures, checking/changing light bulbs, battery maintenance (if required), liquid cooling maintenance for those that have liquid cooled bikes, brake system maintenance that could include flushing/filling/bleeding.

[32232]

It's a bit late now, but for the fall you could do "How to Prep a Bike for Winter Storage" Every MC board has a bunch of threads each fall on how do I Winterize................

[terham]

How to get to a BMW battery.

"Tech Night" may not be long enough.

[john1691]

Get a K1200S, 2 screws and you're there!

Thanks for the ideas so far, I appreciate the help! (accept Statdog and Terrance):whistle

[shire2000]

You could add some basic maintenace at first and then gradually add in more advanced stuff. Like, how to change a chain, how to remove a wheel and fix a flat, How to remove a tired without killing the wheel or yourself. etc.

There is just so much that is neglected these days because people just don't know how.

[squiffynimrod]

There is just so much that is neglected these days because people just don't know how.
Hear, hear! Or there are things that people don't try because they are "afraid", meaning lack of training, or confidence, or resources, or tools, you get what I mean.
I would vote for a tech series of nites with the more experienced mentoring the less experienced, and a posted agenda so you could choose which one to be at-
OLF 1 night, brake bleeding the next, build up to more advanced work.

[108625]

How to adjust chain tension. I see (and hear) too many stretched chains slapping around.

[From MARS]

The HD dealer in Yuma, AZ used to let owners come in on Saturday mornings and use their bike washing area. He provided soap, rags, brushes of all sizes, and compressed air. Either he or one of his mechanics would walk around looking over the bikes checking things like cables, tires, chains, etc. He even had some "extra" tools that he let us use to make minor repairs. Then at around noon (closing time on Saturdays), we'd all take off and ride someplace for a late lunch. Made for a great way to spend a Saturday.:thumb

I met a lot of riders in the area through this program. It reminded me of when I was a teenager, and we would all gather at the local car wash to clean up our rides.

Tom