The motivation behind this is to NOT take business away from our local shops or independents but, instead, to learn and get comfortable wrenching on our own bikes. The idea is for less experienced owners to learn a few things from some of the more experienced owners. Nothing complicated; common maintenance things like brake pads/rotors, chains and sprockets, grips, fluids, wheel removal, and (maybe) electronics. The little things that keep our bikes on the road and us riding safely. An occasional project might be cool, too.
As for logistics, the clinics should be hosted at a private location (not necessarily a CAMer) with access to the appropriate tools. The host and/or mentor is "compensated" in some way (beer?) for his or her time. Participants would be responsible for bringing their bikes, parts, and (ideally) any specialized tools. For frequency I was thinking quarterly.
Think of it as another way for us to "meet up". Since I am proposing this I am willing to host an inaugural clinic. But I am a student so I'd need someone to volunteer as mentor (beer goes to you). I have tools, and stands are on their way.
So what are your thoughts? Any CAMers interested in something like this? Would you do it differently? Have you tried it in the past? And did it work/fail?
Cheers,
Brian
over the years, we've pulled something like this a couple times. Once, back when a CAM member was the GM of Colemans hoodbridge, he put one together for us.
I'm all for it. Won't say I'm a Donnie Unger by a long shot, but I know how to do a lot of work on Ducs... So, if there's something that's within my tech boundries that people are interested in, I'd be happy to 'teach'. A while back I did a 14t swap party at my place... not that I have a graage or any place private. It was just in my condo parking lot. But it worked fine.
Garage parties are always fun, good way to meet folks, get stuff done and help enrich the community
I might be able to talk the property manager into letting me use the limited garage space at my new flat for something like that. We shall see.
One thing I know I am going to miss about Hawaii; a good friend down there was the service manager of an independent BMW service center. Saturdays were known as DIY day and he had every tool known to man at his disposal.
In.
Very very interested. I cannot host, but I'm willing to share (my limited) tools and knowledge.
Quote from: DRKWNG on June 19, 2010, 06:39:09 AM
One thing I know I am going to miss about Hawaii; a good friend down there was the service manager of an independent BMW service center. Saturdays were known as DIY day and he had every tool known to man at his disposal.
think i may like Hawaii ;-)
Count me in. I don't have a garage or much to teach others, but I would love to learn some new things.
Well, can't all be teachers...
Folks who are interested how about tossing out some topics that you'd like to cover. Also, noting what model of Monster you'd like to know X-topic about would be good.
I can be certainly up for some of this...depending on when we might be looking....I might be able to host...but that is an "up in the air" as of this point since I am possibly relocating....
Quote from: yuu on June 21, 2010, 08:24:46 AM
Well, can't all be teachers...
Folks who are interested how about tossing out some topics that you'd like to cover. Also, noting what model of Monster you'd like to know X-topic about would be good.
I'd be very interested in:
1. cleaning and synchronizing carbs (currently working on it :-\)
2. checking and adjusting valves
3. checking and adjusting belts
4. changing fork oil and springs
pretty much in this order.
Absolutely NOT trying to push my agenda on the other forum members here, just thought a priorities list would be useful. Cheers!
You would choose all the biggies... why not add splitting the cases to the list. ;D
2. Might be too fiddly to do in a teaching format where one bike is demo'd on while others watch. But might be good for a clinic where a couple folks who need to do the work get together...
3. This one's pretty easy
4. This requires some specialty tools - at least for the springs. Doing the oil isn't so bad, one just needs an under the triple stand to do it.
Depending on peoples comfort levels/experience/etc some easy ones I might toss out
1. Oil Change
2. Basic chain service
3. Chain adjustment - DSS bikes.
4. Servicing Hydraulics
5. Control set up - aka where you really should have your levers and why
6. Anyone want to see dry clutch stuff?
Quote from: mrEnke on June 22, 2010, 05:53:58 AM
4. changing fork oil and springs
+1 Zoddamn nancy front-end on this 696...
Other than that, I need a rear rotor (stupid disc locks/people) and pads all around.
Quote from: yuu on June 22, 2010, 05:59:11 AM
1. Oil Change
2. Basic chain service
3. Chain adjustment - DSS bikes.
4. Servicing Hydraulics
5. Control set up - aka where you really should have your levers and why
6. Anyone want to see dry clutch stuff?
Yes. Even #6 outta curiosity.
And as per yuu's suggestion:
7. splitting the cases! :D
By 'Servicing Hydraulics' do you mean filling/bleeding brakes/clutch? Or taking apart (changing o-rings etc...) master cylinders and calipers?
I like this list. Except for #6. I don't want to see any dry clutch stuff because I couldn't afford an 1100. So, screw those guys lol.......j/k
Seriously though, I would like to learn any stuff that can save me money on the Ducati service inspections and stuff like bleeding the brakes, changing pads, adjusting the chain, etc.
Quote from: tuanogus on June 22, 2010, 06:27:10 AM
Yes. Even #6 outta curiosity.
On modern ones all you can really do is bleed/flush. Modern masters can't be rebuilt. Calipers can.. but I ain't pullin' mine apart!
But, inspecting brakes would be a good one.
Quote from: DRKWNG on June 21, 2010, 01:00:28 AM
Ass
;D
[evil]
Quote from: 696DCRider on June 22, 2010, 07:17:52 AM
Seriously though, I would like to learn any stuff that can save me money on the Ducati service inspections and stuff like bleeding the brakes, changing pads, adjusting the chain, etc.
+1 on efficient brake bleeding. Though I live in az now I fly home (germantown/college park) quite regularly and would enjoy hanging out learning a few things if my visits coincide with garage days. [thumbsup]
Efficient brake bleeding? Bit of an oxymoron.
But it seems like brakes are a popular subject.
Quote from: yuu on June 22, 2010, 09:58:38 AM
But it seems like brakes are a popular subject.
Brakes are good. I like brakes.
Quote from: DRKWNG on June 22, 2010, 11:49:07 AM
Brakes are good. I like brakes.
mmhmm....
(http://gacetacojonuda.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/slingblade_240_001.jpg)
Some people call 'em brakes. I call 'em stoppers. mmhhmmm
Quote from: 696DCRider on June 22, 2010, 07:17:52 AM
I like this list. Except for #6. I don't want to see any dry clutch stuff because I couldn't afford an 1100. So, screw those guys lol.......j/k
Don't be jealous guy...
Could a bought something used ;D
And, there's some clutch stuff that applies to all bikes...
Hell mines a 2000 900, not like I'm rolling an 1100 either
Quote from: 696DCRider on June 22, 2010, 12:05:54 PM
mmhmm....
(http://gacetacojonuda.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/slingblade_240_001.jpg)
;D
Quote from: mrEnke on June 22, 2010, 05:53:58 AM
I'd be very interested in:
1. cleaning and synchronizing carbs (currently working on it :-\)
2. checking and adjusting valves
3. checking and adjusting belts
4. changing fork oil and springs
1. Get FI
2. Take to Ducpond
3. Take to Ducpond
4. Take to Ducpond and get Race Tech internals while your at it
5. [beer]
6. Clean and adjust chain
7. [beer]
8. Check Tires
9. Drink Shots
10. Call Cab
Next Session Polish Pipes - Gene
if folks want to do installing clipons and rearsets (including changing a line or at least a banjo bolt to rotate a line for the rear brake), I'll bring G's bike down thataway... needs to be done before the DIMBY wedding and trackday in late July though. [laugh]
oh wait...it's about learning not just doing someone else's bike for free? drat.
Gene,
I'll disagree on 1 - especially FCR flat slides, nice.
And you forgot the following steps:
11. [beer]
12. Aspirin
13. Pay credit card bill
14 [drink]
Even my 99' Vic had FI, all my current bikes are FI, can't remember the last bike I owned with a carb, probably my 1983 CX650. As for aspirin, you young guys need some training [laugh]- Gene
Gene, I follow a different process with my bikes:
1. fiddle with whatever ain't broken until it is
2. try and fix it
3. [bang]
4. [bang]
5. [bang]
6. either succeed in fixing ;D or take the bike to the mechanic :-[
I'm probably a masochist, but I enjoy it :)
Quote from: mrEnke on June 23, 2010, 02:22:14 AM
I'm probably a masochist, but I enjoy it :)
And that is all that matters. [thumbsup]
A'ight! Ima plan a garage day at my place towards the end of July. The topic will be: brakes (bleeding, tweaking, changing, inspecting).
We'll wrench. We'll go for a short ride. We'll drink some beer. One of you will get hit on by my neighbor :-*.
Quote from: tuanogus on June 26, 2010, 04:21:16 PM
A'ight! Ima plan a garage day at my place towards the end of July. The topic will be: brakes (bleeding, tweaking, changing, inspecting).
We'll wrench. We'll go for a short ride. We'll drink some beer. One of you will get hit on by my neighbor :-*.
Hoping she's cute. :D
Sounds like a good time.
Yes, hopefully she's cute. Remember though DRKWNG, you can always balance that out with more beers, lol. [wine] [beer]
Quote from: DRKWNG on June 26, 2010, 04:23:19 PM
Hoping she's cute. :D
Quote from: tuanogus on June 26, 2010, 04:21:16 PM
A'ight! Ima plan a garage day at my place towards the end of July. The topic will be: brakes (bleeding, tweaking, changing, inspecting).
We'll wrench. We'll go for a short ride. We'll drink some beer. One of you will get hit on by my neighbor :-*.
Great, thanks for organizing! Beer, bikes, tools and getting hit on by chicks are the best things in life!
Quote from: 696DCRider on June 26, 2010, 05:03:50 PM
Yes, hopefully she's cute. Remember though DRKWNG, you can always balance that out with more beers, lol. [wine] [beer]
Speaking of beers, how many does it take?
(http://www.sofakingdrunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/beer-goggles.jpg)
Quote from: mrEnke on June 28, 2010, 04:41:50 AM
(http://www.sofakingdrunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/beer-goggles.jpg)
[laugh] [clap]
I'm up for this if you guys can stand a noob asking insightful really stoopid questions.
Best way to learn is to teach. [thumbsup]
Quote from: yuu on July 01, 2010, 05:05:39 PM
Best way to learn is to teach. [thumbsup]
Can I come by and teach how to drink beer? :)
How to drink beer...
(http://i29.tinypic.com/t7gxlg.jpg)
(http://dennismitchell.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/funny-pictures-does-your-baby-drink-beer-8kr.jpg)
Quote from: 696DCRider on July 02, 2010, 06:02:42 AM
How to drink beer...
(http://i29.tinypic.com/t7gxlg.jpg)
[thumbsup]
Hey guys, well, i don't claim to know everything, but i think i know a bit (boy does that sound dangerous!) ....so could i offer some simple suggestions to start with. I think everyone gets hyptonized wanting to add power to their bike, and they often overlook some of the more practical aspects of what will make them faster. With that said, i'd like to chime in, hang out (and of course have a few beers!). I like to share my limited knowledge with suspension and set up(so if someone is thinking of re-springing/re valving theirs this would be a GREAT opportunity! Just make sure your forks are off your bike!) This would include basic setups, and basic ideals behind how it works. Related topics would also include brakes, wheels, and tires. What is worth having, and how to get the best bang for your buck (yeah, i wish i could afford the BSTs!)
Overview:
Suspension dynamics (How it works and what its doing!) Hopefully we can get dirty and rip a set of shocks apart!
Braking
Rotational mass (i.e wheels)
Additionally, if there is anything majority of you would like to know how to do, let me know. I have most of the factory tools, and the knowledge to use them. Belts and valves is difficult because you need a vast array of shims (though i could bring what you need to perform the service properly and explain the dynamics of the desmoquatro valvetrian)
In addition, i'll make an attempt and see if i can convince my new boss (owner of CYCLEMAX LLC.) to let us do this at the shop where i work in Gaithersurg.
Let me know when would be a good time, and lets stop talking about this and make it happen!
Quote from: motox79 on July 20, 2010, 07:00:36 PM
(yeah, i wish i could afford the BSTs!)
Meh. They're over rated.
Quote from: motox79 on July 20, 2010, 07:00:36 PM
Overview:
Suspension dynamics (How it works and what its doing!) Hopefully we can get dirty and rip a set of shocks apart!
Braking
Rotational mass (i.e wheels)
Sounds like a good topic. In theory our first one will be basic brake service - if someone remembers he offered up space *ahem*. Brakes into suspension is a good course of study.
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 21, 2010, 01:27:43 AM
Meh. They're over rated.
I won't buy another bike without budgeting for them. Such a huge difference on my bike. Felt like it dropped fifty pounds.
Quote from: Statler on July 21, 2010, 02:39:06 PM
I won't buy another bike without budgeting for them. Such a huge difference on my bike. Felt like it dropped fifty pounds.
Sarcasm buddy, sarcasm...
Look closely...
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Moto/DSC00185.jpg)
Quote from: yuu on July 21, 2010, 06:44:51 AM
Sounds like a good topic. In theory our first one will be basic brake service - if someone remembers he offered up space *ahem*. Brakes into suspension is a good course of study.
I know... I know...I'm working on it. I did say, "the end of July," but it's looking more like August (something). And, yes, I believe we settled in on basic brake service for the next clinic.
Quote from: DRKWNG on July 21, 2010, 02:52:49 PM
Sarcasm buddy, sarcasm...
Look closely...
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z53/b_upton/Moto/DSC00185.jpg)
don't have to look that closely... ;D
smartass.
nice scoot.
Quote from: Statler on July 21, 2010, 03:26:32 PM
smartass.
Moi? 8)
Quote from: Statler on July 21, 2010, 03:26:32 PM
nice scoot.
Cheers.
So, you're going to make it down to one of our meets when you get from DIMBY right? Right??