Anybody out there interested in hosting a repair clinic?

[Little Bike]

I'm a noob and don't know how to make repairs or do some of the routine maintenance (I can change oil, lube the chain, put air in the tires....) You get the picture.

I'm wondering if there is a motorcycle mechanic in Riverside or San Diego Counties (or a good adv person) who would be willing to host a clinic for things like:

Changing a tire
Things to check before riding and after
Other common repairs that I probably don't even know are common repairs.
Anything else they think is important

If we could get a small group of people together who also want to learn, find a person who would be willing to increase our mechanical prowess. Whoever hosts/teaches would be paid for their time

Anybody who would teach?
Anybody who would attend such a thing?

[1P8RIOT]

I only live about an hour and a half from you. I would attend a a class and would be willing to share what I've learned over the years. I don't know if a group from that area would want to travel to my house, but I don't mind going out there. I've been riding about 40 years and ridden a little over 400,000 miles in the last 30. Before that was mostly dirt bikes. I've learned a few things in that time and those miles. If there's going to be a class/tech day, please let me know. I'm always ready to learn. If you want to get together for a couple hours and trade tips and ideas, just let me know. I can show you how I do the things you listed and a few more.
Bruce

[car94]

I would bet there a few shops in your area that would exchange you cleaning bikes or floors for some lesson's on Motorcycle repair.

[JimVonBaden]

I host one at least once a year. Unfortunately I live on the wrong coast from you!








Jim

[Little Bike]

Argh, why don't you come out here Jim?

[Mr_Snips]

Once I get out of the marines and build my shop I hope to have a big get together. Still a year or so down the road though

[SilkMoneyLove]

Don't forget to check those muffler bearings. And while you are at it, upgrade to the blue piston return springs. The red ones are crap.
Oh yeah, top off the blinker fluid too.

Glad I could help :-)

[Little Bike]

Originally Posted by SilkMoneyLove

Don't forget to check those muffler bearings. And while you are at it, upgrade to the blue piston return springs. The red ones are crap.
Oh yeah, top off the blinker fluid too.

Glad I could help :-)

[Yamarocket630]

You would think mechanics the world over would embrace this idea. Think of all the extra work you will get just a few days after teaching the mechanically inept how to work on their own vehicles...

Seriously, motorcycles are fairly simple, even them new fangled fuel injected ones. Get a manual and read. If it makes sense, get some basic tools are start with the easy stuff. If it doesnt make sense sell the manual on Amazon or Ebay and pay someone else to do it. Not everyone is mechanically inclined enough to do it, even some very smart people.

[N-m]

Jim,

When is the next one? Do you get the cool sweater with the standard entry fee or is that extra?

[JimVonBaden]

Originally Posted by N-m

Jim,

When is the next one? Do you get the cool sweater with the standard entry fee or is that extra?

That is RickNut (and he is!) He would wear a sweater in a 100 degree 95% humidity day! Great guy!

Next? For sure next April, but I am considering a fall tech day too!

Jim

[steve_k]

This would be good. Always interested in learning something.

[Little Bike]

Originally Posted by Yamarocket630

You would think mechanics the world over would embrace this idea. Think of all the extra work you will get just a few days after teaching the mechanically inept how to work on their own vehicles...

Seriously, motorcycles are fairly simple, even them new fangled fuel injected ones. Get a manual and read. If it makes sense, get some basic tools are start with the easy stuff. If it doesnt make sense sell the manual on Amazon or Ebay and pay someone else to do it. Not everyone is mechanically inclined enough to do it, even some very smart people.

I worked on my first car (as much as I could) doing basic things like oil changes. I then made the best discovery of my automotive life - The Idiot's Guide to Toyota Truck Repair (1986 - 1990 something). The author was great - you could do most things with almost no knowledge of mechanics. I so wish there was something like this for my xt250!

[larryboy]

Keep an eye out for a KLR "techday", look up 'left coast klr' on google. Should be about time for a techday in Julian or at Eagle Mike's place. We always welcome other makes and people will jump right in and show you some stuff.

[cliffy109]

The local BMW dealer recently hosted a tech day and it was a big success. This was done through the local BMW club and the dealer allowed access to the lifts.

I really don't know how they handled the liability issues with this but the event was well received. They dealer actually sold a fair amount of parts that day and even sold a bike to one of the participants. I think they are planning another.

I guess my point is to check with your local dealer and clubs. Posting here is nice but you need a much more local approach.