motorcyclebloggers.com

Nothing has been more significant to me in my education about motorcycles than the internet.  Information sharing was limitied to riding circles and dealership networks and the weekend warrior meant fluid changes and chain adjustments.  With online motorcycle forums all that has changed.

I receive tech questions via the comments section of this blog for various articles.  Some are on topic of the article, some are generic about bikes I know nothing of.  In some ways, I’m flattered because it shows a couple people may trust our judgment (hoping that its a result of quality content written here). 

In each case, I try to point the info seeker to a forum dedicated to their motorcycle.  If you have a motorcycle, chances are very high that there is a forum for you and ‘your kind’.  The beauty is that people with like bikes often suffer from like problems.  On the Aprilia Mille, its the sidestand switch and a crappy feeling rear brake.  On the Aprilia Futura, its the alternator connector and the fuel quick-disconnect.  These are problems that most every owner has.

Yeah, I try to ask generic thought starters too, but I am a little cautious about leaving my small knowledge base.  I can take apart an engine with the best of them…that said, I have yet to assemble one (OK at least a four stroke) and have it right the first time.

A perfect example for information sharing that has saved me tons of cash is valve clearance checking as a matter of the maintenance schedule.  On my own, I would have never tried this myself…especially since when I did my first, I was new(er) to the Phoenix and had no local Aprilia buddies.  But with the internet, the Aprilia Forum, and a few searches I found this link.  Click it…go ahead and check it out.  Literally a step-by-step instructional with photos on how to check your valve clearance.  I have checked my own valves on my former RSVR and Caponord and the Futura will be due in another 1000 miles.  Each job is about $400 at the dealer, and although it takes time its really not technically difficult / advanced.

Owning a motorcycle is often the introduction to vehicle maintenance.  There is something to be said about “working on my bike this weekend”, regardless of what it is.  This, of course, is referring to the fun stuff that one does electively - aftermarket exhaust, a little chrome, some new brake pads, etc. - and routine maintenance like oil changes.

With a basic set of tools, a little time and patience, and some proper instruction (like the OE shop manual and/or forum knowledge), you can probably save yourself a lot of time and money from the dealership.  Oh yeah, you might learn something too!  You have to make an honest assessment of yourself to be sure that you will do the job right and its within your ability.  In most cases it will likely the labor of love.