Motorcycle Mechanics Course

Hi everyone.

I would to do a motorcycle mechanics, maintenance, servicing course so I can confidently and competently work on my bikes and tackle every repair or service issue that may arise. Ultimately being able to completely strip a bike and put in back together fully serviced and restored would be my end goal.

Does anybody know of any courses like this in the Essex, Herts or London area?

Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated!
Pete

They do them at Stamford College but thats probablty too far north for you, its an NVQ course. I did their evening course last term and it was good but could have been a lot better had the tutor been more organised and less chatty!

ask your local college, most do or know of a local course.....i did mine a few years ago( got fed up of paying dealers money for nothing)....i passed my city & guilds ...and i actually taught quite a few in our group what to do, cos the tutor went sick, and his replacement was useless lol...go fo it , cos it will save u £1000'ssssssssssss

[dizzyblonde]

not in your area, but in West Yorkshire a very good friend of mine runs the MC Maintenance course in Wakefield College. Very nice bloke he is too. And knows his way around an SV rather well.....especially mine

Hi I'd say getting your local colleges prospectus or going in for a chat i've been thinking about taking the same course and I (think) you can also do it as a night course although it would be best if you went in an asked


Flame.

yeah i think i may need to speak to a few local colleges. only found one locally that offers a course but i'm not sure how good it will be. i need a part time, evening course really. may also ask in a few local bike shops and the like. they may also be able to help me.

Lambeth and Merton colleges in london do the IMI level 2 course for bike mechanics.I'm not sure if the evening courses are IMI or just college certificates.

Have a look on www.hotcourses.com (thats where i found my course at gateshead college)

hth

just bear in mind that you will be able to do the majority of the work it would be unrealistic to think you could do all the jobs. I'm a motor mechanic and the different tools you need to buy could end up costing you more than it would be worth getting the guy that has the tools. I left the trade 7 years ago and miss not having the access to the equipment.

if you strugle to get a course it may be worth buying a old bike and begin working on it to learn and if you get stuck post here. i'm sure you will get plenty of help. to be honest the fundamentals of the trade will get you off and running and keep you in good stead for every job you wish to tackle.

if it's just for yourself get tools from halfords and places like that. i have snapon but i would not recomend you spend that kind of money as it would work out more expensive than getting it to the garrage. also look out on ebay for some of the tools as it could save you a few quid. my gear cost me more than a grand and you do sometimes get mechanics that give it up and sell all their gear.

hope you get somthing it will save you £££

PS get swarfega (spelling) you'll need it.

[yorkie_chris]

Don't be a pussy, fire into it. Only way to learn.

[fastdruid]

Originally Posted by Davadvice

just bear in mind that you will be able to do the majority of the work it would be unrealistic to think you could do all the jobs. I'm a motor mechanic and the different tools you need to buy could end up costing you more than it would be worth getting the guy that has the tools. I left the trade 7 years ago and miss not having the access to the equipment.

I look at some jobs and if it would cost me equal or less to buy the tools to do the job I do it. If it would cost me slightly more but its a really useful tool[1] I may do it anyway.

The worst things though are where there are ways round but its *so* much easier with the proper tools, bearing pullers are a case in point, removing a wheel bearing with one takes 15 seconds and the bearing is reusable. Without one you have to tap it out and its best not to re-use it.

There are some things I wish I had though, I used to have access to a proper engineering workshop, I really miss that some times.

Druid

[1] eg a 3 legged puller.