Where do I learn how to do basic service on my own Spyder?

[MRH]

I never took auto shop, and don't even change my own oil in my car.

Now, with a Spyder, knowing a bit more about how it all works and being able to do some basic service and installation work myself would seem to make a lot of sense. If I'm on the road, and something goes wrong, a dealer is likely a lot further than a local mechanic, and it can take several days just to address a small issue, especially if you have a problem on a Saturday night.

I'm wondering if there is any kind of live learning (from zero) that would put me in a better position to do some of my own work. I don't want to start removing panels to tighten the battery based on what I can see on a YouTube video.

I'm in Los Angeles, by the way.

Any thoughts?

 

[rcturner]

This is a very complicated machine. It may not be the best unit to learn mechanics on.

 

[acinpcola]

Lamont's videos cover a plethora of basic stuff.

:agree: I have used them myself and I am one who is definately not a wrench turner.

AC:spyder2:

 

[Jeriatric]

I never took auto shop, and don't even change my own oil in my car.

Now, with a Spyder, knowing a bit more about how it all works and being able to do some basic service and installation work myself would seem to make a lot of sense. If I'm on the road, and something goes wrong, a dealer is likely a lot further than a local mechanic, and it can take several days just to address a small issue, especially if you have a problem on a Saturday night.

I'm wondering if there is any kind of live learning (from zero) that would put me in a better position to do some of my own work. I don't want to start removing panels to tighten the battery based on what I can see on a YouTube video.

I'm in Los Angeles, by the way.

Any thoughts?

There are no shortcuts to becoming a proficient mechanic or trouble shooter. It's an accumulation of years of doing the job and lots of trial and error.....with many mistakes made along the way.

It sounds like you're at the beginning of the learning curve. Shy of taking a motorcycle repair course and spending time in a real world hands on environment I'd say your stuck to doing what you can comprehend from a good set of instructions that lend themselves to the specific task you're willing to undertake. jmy2c

Not trying to be debbie downer...... :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

Let's see..!!

Owners manual, shop manual, and the available videos are a start. Depends on how far you want to go. On the road situations, unless minor, are best handled by AAA...Don't know if the tech schools are teaching spyder yet...:roflblack:

 

[steve0530]

No Substitute

Like they say, there is no substitute for formal experience! But that being said, if you have the access to Lamont's great short films and some sort of manual you can try by starting small projects. The best tool I can tell you to get is a torque wrench, they make small ones that up to 80/100 foot pounds in 3/8 drive that are good for most jobs. The biggest mistake I find is people, including shops, will tend to over or under tighten a fastener:yikes: there is no fun like drilling out a broken bolt or having one that fall's out.
Only attempt if you feel confident, and have all the info to do the job, any doubts! Pay someone to do it.

 

[NancysToy]

If you don't want to remove panels, I'm not sure you want to service a Spyder. Removing a panel or component and putting it back on is actually a good way to start. As was said, there are easier vehicles to learn on, though. I'd recommend checking with a local community college to see if the have a motorcycle or automotive maintenance course for beginners. I have seen such things, often with classes heavily populated with women. Nothing against that, BTW, but women traditionally have not been taught these things by their fathers and brothers (and sisters and mothers), so some of them want very much to learn, just as you do. Other than that, there are books that start at square 1, Lamonster's and Arntufun's instructional videos, and even watching your tech from the side, if your shop permits it. Getting a knowledgeable friend to help is a great way to learn, too. If you want to learn, study up, buy some tools, and start with the easy stuff. We all started somewhere.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

If you don't want to remove panels, I'm not sure you want to service a Spyder. Removing a panel or component and putting it back on is actually a good way to start. As was said, there are easier vehicles to learn on, though. I'd recommend checking with a local community college to see if the have a motorcycle or automotive maintenance course for beginners. I have seen such things, often with classes heavily populated with women. Nothing against that, BTW, but women traditionally have not been taught these things by their fathers and brothers (and sisters and mothers), so some of them want very much to learn, just as you do. Other than that, there are books that start at square 1, Lamonster's and Arntufun's instructional videos, and even watching your tech from the side, if your shop permits it. Getting a knowledgeable friend to help is a great way to learn, too. If you want to learn, study up, buy some tools, and start with the easy stuff. We all started somewhere.

You're describing me here. My dad had airplanes and employed good mechanics. My brother learned from Dad and the guys in the shop and far exceeds my dad in mechanical experience; he's a natural born engineer. At our dinner table the conversations were all about engines, airplanes, cars, etc. (never sports). So I had the luxury of always having someone close to work on my machines. When I got out on my own, I knew enough to know if the mechanic was lying to me, but not enough to do the work myself.

Now I live with my brother agian, and he takes care of things. I recently asked him to let me help change the oil in my car so I could learn how it's done. Next thing I know, it was done and he said it was just easier to do it himself!

I recently joined AMA, so when I travel to Spyderfest and Owners' event, I'll at lease have someone to call. But I'm in the same boat as you, Jerbear. Maybe I'll look into one of those courses, too.

 

[Osros]

I pretty much same never dealt with a motorcycle and done very little on cars. I have to agree watch the videos and take on small projects like well documented mods. I think a must is at least get see how the panels come off and start to know where things are, how to check oil at least etc. I am waiting myself to be a bit warmer cause I dont have a garage to start doing the same. I also recommend joining a Spyder club closet to you and Im sure there will be members who are willing to help or at least you cant get together when someone is doing their own work offer to help or watch and learn on their bikes.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

NEED HELP

..

 

[Bob Denman]

This is always a fun subject; learning how to tear apart your new pride and joy, and then stuff the parts back together without too many extras... :shocked:
I've been taking the "slow and steady" approach... one thing at a time until I know that I've got it wired. :thumbup:
But I'm seriously lacking in even the most basic of skillsets that involve wrenches; you're already way ahead of me! :2thumbs:

As a source of information; your dealer's mechanics should be pretty good; buy them a box of donuts and pick their brains a bit over some coffee...

 

[NancysToy]

You're describing me here. My dad had airplanes and employed good mechanics. My brother learned from Dad and the guys in the shop and far exceeds my dad in mechanical experience; he's a natural born engineer. At our dinner table the conversations were all about engines, airplanes, cars, etc. (never sports). So I had the luxury of always having someone close to work on my machines. When I got out on my own, I knew enough to know if the mechanic was lying to me, but not enough to do the work myself.

Now I live with my brother agian, and he takes care of things. I recently asked him to let me help change the oil in my car so I could learn how it's done. Next thing I know, it was done and he said it was just easier to do it himself!

I recently joined AMA, so when I travel to Spyderfest and Owners' event, I'll at lease have someone to call. But I'm in the same boat as you, Jerbear. Maybe I'll look into one of those courses, too.

Very sorry to hear this, Patti. It sounds very familiar. My dad was a master mechanic. If you were working on something he would look over your shoulder and give advice at first. Then he'd lean in to show you exactly how. Then he'd stop talking and do the work himself. We called him "The Wrench Grabber." My brother took full advantage. He'd calmly go into the house, wash up, change his clothes, and wait for Dad to finish. I wasn't that smart, I'd shove Dad back out of the way, and often end up in a good-natured "wrestling match" over the rights to the wrenches. Talk to your brother and make him feel bad that he is taking the easy way out. Bribe him if necessary. Drive him nuts with questiuons while he works. There is nobody better to learn from. Make him surrender!

 

[Bob Denman]

Bring him food and drinks as a distraction; and then pick his brain while he's busy chewing! :thumbup:

 

[Wiredux]

This brings up a question. Is there going to be a place to work on your Spyder at SPYDERFEST? Just thinking someone could do a workshop or to to show people how things can be done?

 

[Bob Denman]

That would be a GREAT idea! :thumbup:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

This brings up a question. Is there going to be a place to work on your Spyder at SPYDERFEST? Just thinking someone could do a workshop or to to show people how things can be done?

:agree: Totally agree! :thumbup:

Hey, MOgang! Spyderfest idea!!!!ray:

 

[MRH]

Let me see if I can re-phrase my query with a little bit more accuracy.

I'd like to get some hands-on demo on the basics of doing very basic work, such as getting to the battery or perhaps adding some oil if I find myself with a leak and need to get the levels up. I'm not looking for the three day (non-existent) crash course in bike mechanics.

I'm not afraid to take off the tupperware, but I'd like to see it done by somebody who knows what they are doing before I screw up something on my own. I am reasonably technically inclined, but I'm extra cautious with my Spyder.

Did that clarify what I hope is a realistic request?

 

[Wiredux]

Let me see if I can re-phrase my query with a little bit more accuracy.

I'd like to get some hands-on demo on the basics of doing very basic work, such as getting to the battery or perhaps adding some oil if I find myself with a leak and need to get the levels up. I'm not looking for the three day (non-existent) crash course in bike mechanics.

I'm not afraid to take off the tupperware, but I'd like to see it done by somebody who knows what they are doing before I screw up something on my own. I am reasonably technically inclined, but I'm extra cautious with my Spyder.

Did that clarify what I hope is a realistic request?

Yes. This is the reason why I asked for this at SPYDERFEST. Most people would be happy to walk you through that. Even better in person. This way you can be shown and can do your self. With help close by just in case. Any we know you are not the only one who would like this kind of assistance.

 

[Wiredux]

And sorry. Did not mean to hijack the thread.

 

[NancysToy]

Let me see if I can re-phrase my query with a little bit more accuracy.

I'd like to get some hands-on demo on the basics of doing very basic work, such as getting to the battery or perhaps adding some oil if I find myself with a leak and need to get the levels up. I'm not looking for the three day (non-existent) crash course in bike mechanics.

I'm not afraid to take off the tupperware, but I'd like to see it done by somebody who knows what they are doing before I screw up something on my own. I am reasonably technically inclined, but I'm extra cautious with my Spyder.

Did that clarify what I hope is a realistic request?

Your dealer should have shown you how to check the oil. You add it in the same place. If he didn't show you, I'm sure he will if you ask. The instructions are in your manual, too. As to removing the panels to check the battery connections (or change the oil), perhaps another SpyderLover in your area could help. I was going to offer a mini-seminar on removing the body panels last year at Lamont's BBQ, but we couldn't attend due to Nancy's illness. Maybe I'll get a chance again sometime. Sorry, I am no whiz with the video camera, so I can't make an instructional video.