02-01-14, 04:57 PM
When I bought my first bike, the biggest job I would do in my car was change a bulb or check the fluid levels. When I got a bike I decided to just go for it. It was a brand new Honda 125. On day 1 I went for a ride to Loch Lomond in the day and took it apart in the evening. I have never stopped taking bikes apart since. And most of the time I put them back together.
Like Mick, I am an Engineer (although I am a sound engineer, not mechanical). So I understand the process of taking something apart to repair and rebuild. I also have the benefit of having a friend who is a Master Technician. I have kind of been his "apprentice" for the last 17 years, spending lots of our social time together repairing stuff, or building stuff (and playing FIFA, going dancing, holidays, pulling girls...).
My point is, have a bike that you can take your time working on. A second bike. Get a Haynes manual and get in there. Be prepared to break stuff and make mistakes. But when you get it right, it is wonderful.
Like Mick, I am an Engineer (although I am a sound engineer, not mechanical). So I understand the process of taking something apart to repair and rebuild. I also have the benefit of having a friend who is a Master Technician. I have kind of been his "apprentice" for the last 17 years, spending lots of our social time together repairing stuff, or building stuff (and playing FIFA, going dancing, holidays, pulling girls...).
My point is, have a bike that you can take your time working on. A second bike. Get a Haynes manual and get in there. Be prepared to break stuff and make mistakes. But when you get it right, it is wonderful.
Not quite sure what to do with my early mid-life crisis. Ideas on a post card to P.O.BOX 150...