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This will be the official thread for the basic motorcycle maintenance and servicing day at my house in Taunton, MA.
Im open to suggestions on dates for this but obviously a Saturday or Sunday.
Available dates
August 3/4
August 24/25
The aim of the day.
To provide a hands-on self-taught environment for a group of NESR members to learn some of the basic to mid-advanced techniques and procedures for maintaining and servicing their motorcycles.
I will endeavor to provide all of the tooling and documentation needed. Space is limited and I would like to have 2 other "facilitators" to help out and a maximum of 8 "students".
This class is not intended to be a "get your valves adjusted professionally for free" day. I will perform a "how to" on various procedures and you will have space and tools available to then practice the technique on dummy setups (engine in a stand, etc) and if there is time, to perform the procedure on your own motorcycle, with guidance/supervision.
The format will evolve according to who signs up, but I expect we would run 2 groups.
Group One would be for people who have never turned a wrench on their bikes. This group will cover:
Basic motorcycle pre-ride checks (10 mins class, tops)
Motorcycle tools, including torque wrench and t handles etc.
Oil change
Air filter check/change
Checking/replacing brake pads and fluid
Front and rear wheel removal and reinstallation
Coolant change
Clutch cable and throttle cable adjustment
Basic motorcycle electrics
Basic 4 stroke engine technology
Fi versus carbs, airflow / exhaust changes.
Group two would be for people proficient with the above basics and will cover:
Chassis -
Front and rear suspension removal/reinstallation
Swingarm removal/reinstallation
Steering head and wheel bearing replacement
Operation of tire machine
Engine
Clutch removal/replacement
Valve-cam lash check/adjustment (in line 4, shim under bucket, chain driven cams)Camchain tensioner lifters
Semi-advanced 4 stroke tuning techniques
If you want to adjust your valves, you MUST have the bike at my place EARLY. The engine must cool down for at least 4-6 hours BEFORE adjusting valves. I will have valve shims here for exchange if needed.
If you want to change bearings, you MUST bring bearings with you so we can freeze them for a few hours.
I have 1 lift, a few stands and limited room. Some of you may end up here all evening due to time/space constraints. The bike lift will be utilized by basic in the morning and advanced in the afternoon.
I will have a 2005 CBR600RR motor on an engine stand for valve lash class/practice.
Class attendees will need to bring any supplies/consumables they wish to change WITH THEM or mail them to me prior to the day OR have me obtain them and reimburse me on the day.
All attendees will go home with a set of JIS screwdrivers. The more of these we can get out there, the less buggered screws there will be on bikes (thanks for the idea NHBUBBA).
I will provide refreshments. I also have a small in ground pool to cool off in. We will stop for an hour for lunch.
Suggested donation for supplies, lunch, screwdriver set, expertise.
Basic = $50
Advanced = $100
Amounts donated will not be shared with other attendees. If you don't want a JIS screwdriver set, drop your donation by $25. There is no minimum, but don't be a cheap prick :-). If you are a starving student or unemployed, I will understand. Don't arrive on your Panigale and tell me you're broke though.
"facilitators" will each receive a JIS screwdriver set and refreshments for their time.
Leave any attitudes at the door. Bring your sense of humor.
My house is firearm-free. If you want to carry concealed, you had better keep it concealed or you and I will have a problem. I love guns, but I don't allow them in my house.
I suggest you bring.
A flashlight
A service manual for your bike if you have it
Stands if you are trailering your bike
A good set of feeler gauges if on the advanced course. Make sure they go down to .002" if possible. Try to either but the really long ones or the angles ones. Short straight ones are useful only for making tables not wobble.
Bring your torque wrench if you want to check it against my calibrated torque wrench.
First 4 to sign up per group will get the spots. CEO and Jimmy, you don't count. You will be facilitating and using your bikes to teach.
Put your screen name, real name, class you want and any date you cannot attend.