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Old 08-02-2006, 02:32 PM   #1 (permalink)
Ho Dog
 
87gsxrnut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Bike: 867-5309
Location: Terror Lake
Posts: 4,449
Default Planning when wrenching

I have seen a LOT of "Please help - emergency" posts in the mechanics section.

A lot of these are due to improper planning.

1. Get a manual. Read it and take the time to become familiar with the job that you are planning to do. Also read the "how-to" bulletins provided in the Clymer/Haynes manuals. They show you how to do certain types of troubleshooting.

2. Get the right tools.

3. Find someone who can help.

4. Order parts and possible spares/extras (gaskets etc.) that you might need in case you screw up something. Otherwise, you will most likely have to wait a week for more parts.

5. Don't "be in a hurry" to ride. I've seen all kinds of mistakes (some nearly fatal) because the rider/mechanic just had to get the job done fast so he could go out and ride to Starbucks to be "seen" by lame-ass babes with his other squid pals.

Following those points above will help the hamfisted mechanic.

Always add an extra day or two to the work schedule. Because if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. I know this first-hand.

- Nut