Attn Ladies - do you do your own maintenance?

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by derf

buy a clymer or haynes manual and one of the 150 piece tool kits from sears. You can do almost anything you want to a bike with that combination. Some stuff will require specialty tools, but those will come as you need them.

Perhaps. Though the one thing that holds back [most] women is the strength to turn the wrench on many of the bolts, or even an oil filter.

Manual IS a critical item.
Breaker bar
Torque wrench

I'm also a big fan of the right tools for the job. No one should ever feel they need to run out and buy every tool out there from the beginning. Tool collections are best accumulated as needed. And, buy the best tools you can for your budget - Craftsman, SnapOn, similar are my favorites as they will replace tools if/when broken. Therefore, they are the best for the long term.

I started with the above, a simple set of metric sockets, wrenches and screw drivers. From that, I bought tools as the job required. Yes, I believe that anyone can work on their own motor. It does take a bit of common sense, and patience. Learn to not be afraid to ask questions through the process and when to walk away. It can be very humbling when you miss one very simple and sometimes obvious step in any maintenance routine.

I know many women that do their own work - we have started clinics here in Austin at two of the dealerships to get women more involved. I think it never occurred to them as an idea to work on their own. They all got started by seeing others involved.

[derf]

Originally Posted by azoomm

Perhaps. Though the one thing that holds back [most] women is the strength to turn the wrench on many of the bolts, or even an oil filter.

Anyone can unscrew the tightest oil filter, even if it is locked on there, with the right tool. A good oil filter tool or just stab it with a screw driver will work every time

[gavilan]

I started out just 'helping' some of my friends and learning. With time I ended up doing a lots of things on my bike. I love wrenching and I love being able to fix issues. It does help to have someone to ask if you get into a tight spot or if you need that extra muscle. lol

I agree with Zoomie: you need the right tools, the manual and patience.

[dReWpY]

Every mc owner should read zen and the art of motorcycle maintence

[newB45]

Originally Posted by drewpy

Every mc owner should read zen and the art of motorcycle maintence

Good book just kinda hard to get through. I own it and it took forever for me to read. But I also have both twist of the wrists and another one that i for some reason I can't remember.

Oh and I can change oil and do a few other simple things. But I think I'm going to find a friend to teach me other stuff once I get my bike.

[dReWpY]

Originally Posted by newB45

Good book just kinda hard to get through. I own it and it took forever for me to read. But I also have both twist of the wrists and another one that i for some reason I can't remember.

Oh and I can change oil and do a few other simple things. But I think I'm going to find a friend to teach me other stuff once I get my bike.

what part of Tn Region dO you Live in? Like the plateau region?