Ducati Monster Forum

The philosophical why we love the Zen of Moto Mechanics;

The title of Zen and the Art is why i picked up that book originally; but was disappointed that it focused much on a troubled relationship more than moto mechanics, an interesting read but not what I was hoping for. I appreciate the tech Q&A on DMF, thanks for all the answers [bow_down] and entertainment.  [beer]

Question is why do we love moto's and the tinkering of mechanics?

I put the trickle charger back on the pigtail again today; blew some dust off the bike, considering what to do to get the perfect cafe ride; and when this event would happen. In fact the ride already started with plugging in of the trickle charger; "cei"? the moto bike is honest mechanical connection to physics of moto, road and rider ... what you see is a pure expression of the mechanical workings in unison that to  give the rider the control and thrill of that pure connection to have the best ride.

 [Dolph]

My zen moto philosophy has become : I fix things so that they will break in a manner of which I can understand...lol

It´s quality time.
Anything creative makes your life better.
Just adding a little plate or switching a pair of screws to make something
work just a little better is a good day in the shed.
And knowing that everything works, has the right torque etc is good for
your soul and very satisfying. [Dolph]

Pirsig says it right up front: "What follows is based on actual occurrences. Although much has been changed for rhetorical purposes, it must be regarded in its
essence as fact. However, it should in no way be associated with that great body of factual information relating to orthodox Zen
Buddhist practice. It’s not very factual on motorcycles, either." Love that book.

Me, I started working on machines because I'm a cheapskate. I'm still a cheap bastard, but now it's as much for the pleasure of the puzzle, and the satisfaction of hitting the starter and realizing I put  all the pieces of that puzzle in the correct places. Or the learning that happens when I get it wrong.

I just know that when my brain is engaged my problems disappear. Another reason why I love motorcycles

All valid points. [beer]

Plus I get bored easily.

lol. and.... an idle mind is the devil's workshop ....lol
 
... perhaps what Im trying to get at, as the dudes above have identified in various ways; its like this... the more mechanical work one does on a bike, the more we understand the bike and feel connected to it, this connection gives one a better feel for a problem arising or what needs adjusting; thinking, researching, doing, riding ... that's the art of moto café mechanics, tinkering and tuning.

i usually reference the book when folks get on my case about not working on my own bikes
i am the bmw rider guy. well i was until my mechanic called it quits

something horriblely wrong about shitting on folks who dont work on their own bikes
i am not a surgeon - i dint do my own bi-pass

that was really the only was the only thing i took from the book. otherwise just some story about a crazy dude.
want to read a good motorcycle book
Keith Code or David L. Hough . four great books about staying alive
Code has a great section about fear which i am still trying to overcome having had a rather spetacular low side