Spannering

[JonJo]

I'm pretty kack handed with a spanner so I've always paid to have my bike serviced but from September I'm taking partial retirement. That means I'll have more time to get out on the bike  but a lot less money to pay for maintenance.
I need to learn how to do some of the easier jobs myself so where's the best place to start? I've had a look at some you tube vids but to be honest I'm nervous about ending up with an unrideable bike on the drive that I'll have to pay to get fixed anyway.

[SuzukiSte]

All you need is a bit of confidence and it takes time for that start with the easy stuff like chain adjustment, oil change etc.

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[hookie]

You may be able to find an evening class for budding mechanics being run at a local school or college?
 

[mr_diver]

Jacko on here did a pretty good how to oil change video.

The main thing it to take time and read what you need to do before you attack the work.

A haynes manual is a good place to start as the Suzuki service manual will expect you to be a trained mechanic with the knowledge and all the special tools.

[Robotstar5]

As above, get yourself a Haynes manual, the jobs in there normally have a "spanner rating" from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard) so it gives you an idea before tackling a job.

[JonJo]

Thanks for the replies.
Haynes manual ordered.
Found some useful vids here: https://www.youtube.com/DrVstrom
Also did a search for courses at local colleges but they're all full time and aimed at apprentices.
Guess I'm going to have to fork out for some tools as well.

[Mr Nick]

Aldi & Lidl are handy for picking up reasonably priced tools, and some are pretty decent for the money.

A good selection of screwdrivers, spanners & sockets will see you through most jobs: additional things like oil filter wrenches are always good, but there are ways around some of them, albeit more messy...

[Rusty Nuts]

Got any local biking mates who get their hands dirty?   Sit in as official teaboy and watch / help, and see if you'd feel confident doing the same to your own pride and joy.

[plumber02]

don't buy CHEAP SHITE tools they'll cost you more in the end , teng do a nice set tm 095 just make sure they're the 6 pointed sockets not 12 , a teng impact screwdriver ( absolute necessity ) , and a set of teng allen keys , cheap half inch powerbar will do you , in non EU money that should come in around 140 ish maybe less if you shop around teng usually have a summer promo      http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TM095-TengTools-1-4-3-8-Drive-95-Piece-Socket-Tool-Set-/111867666595?hash=item1a0bd520a3:g:SwEAAOSwBnVW9CqJ

[In me shed]

Don't know if it's just me but I never go near my nuts with a torque wrench 

[Andy M]

+1 An uncalibrated wrench is just a bar with numbers on.

Training is difficult now, no evening classes only long and expensive technicians stuff. It would be cheaper to buy an MOT failed Chinese scooter and take it to bits. Get into it and you can turn a profit.

Andy

[plumber02]

who needs a torque wrench ?? do you know what a power bar is  ??

[SuzukiSte]

Torque wrench stops you over tightening nuts and bolts.

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[In me shed]

Don't know if it's just me but I never go near my nuts with a torque wrench 

Ooooops, meant to say without a torque wrench

[obalanga]

I know how you feel. The first job I ever did was fork seal change on an intruder 125 (the easy ones) Took me a day to fight through one fork and 30mins to do the other. Not having the right tool if anything will be the most likely reason to fail at most things, and ofcourse you will leave the sump plug out whilst doing an oil change at some point.

[Rusty Nuts]

Filler cap. Kawasaki Z250 single.  Full oil and filter change, new washer, careful torqued to spec, fired up on lawn. Oil all over ( now ex ) wife's pristine laundry! Surprising how far the stuff travels before you can hit the kill switch.