Where to learn how to work on bikes in Dallas?

[jareed17]

Does anyone know of a good place in the Dallas area where you can learn to work on bikes? I want to be able to work on my bike more than just changing the spark plugs, air filter, and battery, haha. I'm new to motorcycles. I don't want to start taking things apart and not know how to put it back together! Thanks!

[Steve]

Does anyone know of a good place in the Dallas area where you can learn to work on bikes? I want to be able to work on my bike more than just changing the spark plugs, air filter, and battery, haha. I'm new to motorcycles. I don't want to start taking things apart and not know how to put it back together! Thanks!

There is a place that you can find on your computer, it's called "The GS Resources".

We have been making mechanics out of newbs for years, now.

.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Have a look at my little website, click the link in my sig.

The good folks here have taught me just about everything I know about working on these GS bikes.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Adler]

Taught me everything I know!

[frijoles-and-beans]

I had very little experience with motorcycle upkeep before coming to this site and now I can work on most anything that my bike needs. Mr Basscliff is letting you in on some good stuff with his website. I have learned more from that site than I thought I ever would. I still can't believe all that technical information is just free for the taking. Labor costs at my local Suzuki shop are ridiculous!

[Dodik]

the only one thing that you cant learn here is a good set of tools you will have to buy it everything else is just a click away

[FreshStart]

aside from this site which is better than any school imo. but your local community college should offer a small engines course which should help your confidence, not really your education and definately not your wallet.

[GS Jim]

Does anyone know of a good place in the Dallas area where you can learn to work on bikes? I want to be able to work on my bike more than just changing the spark plugs, air filter, and battery, haha. I'm new to motorcycles. I don't want to start taking things apart and not know how to put it back together! Thanks!

Jared, I was in the same position as you 6 months ago when I bought my GS1000. Though having ridden for many years, I'd never owned an old bike nor really done anything more complicated than changing the oil/filter and adjusting the chain. I wanted to do as much work as possible on the bike itself both to save money and for the satisfaction it provides.

I totally endorse the view expressed above that you can learn from the tutorials available on Mr BassCliff's site and asking questions around the forum. Beyound that, here go a few pointers I've picked up along the way.

1) Before you disassemble anything take plenty of pictures to help you remember how it goes back together. Don't trust your memory (ask me how I know ). Digital photos are free, so do it.

2) Like anything else, start out with small projects. Don't try a full engine teardown right off the bat. My first project was to remove, polish and reinstall the points cover. It's a pathetically easy job for the pros here , but it helped me build confidence to tackle other projects.

3) For some reason, I find reassembly often harder than disassembly. Be patient and never force anything. If you're getting frustrated just walk away for a while - a solution might come to you when you're more relaxed. I had a bear of a time getting my new throttle cables installed until I thought of propping the spring-loaded carb bellcrank with a screw driver handle to allow me to slip the cable end in.

4) Be realistic. If you lack the tools or expertise for something, get help. You might find a forum member in your area that can lend a hand. In my case Pete Logan has come thru with valuable advice and encouragement when I was stuck. If all else fails, take it to a professional. Better to spend some dough than ruin your bike.

Jim

[makenzie71]

Does anyone know of a good place in the Dallas area where you can learn to work on bikes?

Survey says........YOU FRONT YARD!!!

(<-audience)

[jwhelan65]

I am in Highland Village, just a few miles from you

[bluefireant]

I never used to consider myself a "hands on" person but more of a mental problem solver. One day i decided i wanted to build a bike from the ground up...didnt have the money so i bought an 81 gs650gl for 400 bucks that didnt run. just taking the carbs off to clean them was a huge accomplishment since i had never done such a thing before. Next thing i know i have the bike running... by the next night the bike was nothing but a frame sitting in my garage...and it just keeps going from there. I made the mistake of doubting my abilities from the start before i had even attempted anything. Im at the point now where i think about working on my motorcycle more than my college school work and my senior thesis and im graduating in 2 months haha

[oldbutslow]

There used to be a motorcycle repair course at Cedar Valley CC in Lancaster, but I looked and I didn't see it being offered. Now curious, I did a search, and came up with this in NRH: http://www.technical-schools-guide.c...ID=13&aid=1636 ,BK

[chuck hahn]

I was like you 3 years ago.I had a 98 Honda Shadow VT1100 Spirit. I never did anything on a bike except oil, plugs and filters. Then i got ahold of my 77 750 and the fun began. Asked a lot of probably seemingly stupid questions and the guys here got me to be a pretty decent GS mechanic. Youll catch on quick and invite theguysover and have lots of cold beers and youll be amazed in no time.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Dans Online Motorcyle Repair Course.
Seriously, If I was a Noob starting out I think this would be a great resource.
It's internet based class's in sections you can take your time and study.
"Homework" is actual hands on projects.
He speaks like a human.
By the time you finish you will be much more confident and understand how stuff works.
IT'S FREE!
LINKY: http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm