Maintenance course I've been on

[Winder]

Just incase any of you are interested.
I am happy with doing simple jobs on the bike ( things that only require undoing bolts and the like) like chain and sprocket change, changing brake pads etc.
I also got brave and changed my own fork seals after reading a few posts on here I got myself a sharpened broom pole and got it sorted!

However, one thing I didn't want to touch was the engine, filled me with fear incase I knackered it. So I signed up for a "Motorcycle maintenance course" at Merton College in Mordon Surrey.

It's was on a Monday night from 7pm-9pm and covered lots of useful things.

Stripping brake calipers and rebuilding
Stripping carbs and rebuilding
Fork seals
Valve clearances
Carb balancing
Fuel injection systems
Using diagnostic equipment
Head bearing inspection and replacement
Brake bleeding
Electrics
Suspension set up

We got to strip a small single cylinder engine, split the crank cases and clean and replace everything then done it again with a IL4 Suzuki engine.

I found it very interesting and hands on. I have learnt a lot and when I have some cash will be buying my first project bike.

Anyway just thought I would let y'all know what I been up to.

[carpet monster]

How many weeks was the course? You didn't do all that in two hours!

[davepreston]

this is something id love to do if i had the time

and before your smart gits pipe up, you find time in a rotating 64hr a week rolling work pattern

[The Idle Biker]

That's sounds just what I need. I'm currently in Cafe waiting for my chain and sprockets to be changed on the track bike for me. I'm really interested in doing something like this. How much was it then?

[Winder]

I done the basic course last year 10 weeks long and £250 (Sounds alot but £25 a lesson isn't that much really).
Advanced course this year, same 10 weeks and same price.

Basic involved theory and practical. Example- when doing valve clearence lesson when talked about the 4 stroke cycle, why you would check clearances at TDC, how the valves work and problems that could occur if the clearance was too small or large and lots of other theory.
Then we would get the engine on the bench and do the job.

The advanced course was 99% practical as you needed the whole 2 hours to get the jobs done, splitting the whole IL4 engine to get to the gears took 2 1/2 lessons but was very enjoyable (except torquing everything back up).

So over all maybe a little expensive but it'll save me a lot in labour charges from now until im a grandad and I trade the bike in for a old man mobility scooter.

And Idle, I'm going to start (well re-start) the rebuild of my curvy in May when i get use of the garage. You are more than welcome to come along and have a go at a few jobs.
I know the bike was running fine so it's not going to be the same challenge as buying a non runner but it's a good start.
Cheers

[Winder]

That offer of helping out build the curvy is open to any orgers by the way, I just know idle is in the same area ish.
If your experienced you'd be helping me out and if your not experienced maybe it would help you out to come fiddle with something? Just an idea

[squirrel_hunter]

I've wanted to do something like this for a while but only if it had a qualification at the end of it. And to get one of those I'd need to do it full time as an apprentice which isn't possible. Shame. But that does sound a good course, well done.

[The Idle Biker]

Cheers Winder, think I'll look it up and book it in advance if possible for next "term". Sounds like something for the Autumn/ Winter months for me.