Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ncdan on October 08, 2016, 09:40:34 AM
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Just got my 07 Calvin last week and trying to learn all I can about the bike as my nearest dealer is 70 miles away and their maintenance fees are astronomical. I have a old friend who is a 49 year certificate honda mechanic and still working. Is there any reason, such as tools etc, that would keeps him from being able to do basics such as valve adjustment, tune ups, tire changes etc?
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Just got my 07 Calvin last week and trying to learn all I can about the bike as my nearest dealer is 70 miles away and their maintenance fees are astronomical. I have a old friend who is a 49 year certificate honda mechanic and still working. Is there any reason, such as tools etc, that would keeps him from being able to do basics such as valve adjustment, tune ups, tire changes etc?
No, none. Matter of fact, there's nothing to keep YOU from doing valve adjustments (the simplest valve adjustments in all motorcycling), tire changes, oil changes, etc.
An experienced Honda mechanic can do the work needed on this bike in his sleep ...
Lannis
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Just got my 07 Calvin last week and trying to learn all I can about the bike as my nearest dealer is 70 miles away and their maintenance fees are astronomical. I have a old friend who is a 49 year certificate honda mechanic and still working. Is there any reason, such as tools etc, that would keeps him from being able to do basics such as valve adjustment, tune ups, tire changes etc?
When Carl had his shop here in Charlotte I checked out his toolbox while he worked on my bike. He had about 15 different hammers and those were his specialty tools. :thumb:
Seriously, there's little you can't do as long as you seek advice here. Here's me doing the valve adjust on the green monster and following Wayne's instructions including the "specialty" plastic straw.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/bwBnOv/13319982_10208195534239845_8079165241792478293_n.jpg) (http://ibb.co/bwBnOv)
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Hey Danny, I'm not a natural mechanic by any means,,, when I was younger, I definitely caused more harm than good working on my bikes. But the reality is for me in my area anyways,,, I could not afford it, and my bikes would be worse off, if I had all my work done at a dealer.
Old age may come with certain challenges,,, but the patience, wisdom and logical thinking I've gained over time, is paying huge dividends when it come to my mechanical prowess,,, especially working on my bikes. I'm a much better mechanic,,, and with the power of the internet,,, the answers are usually right there, if you look for them.
I've still got lots to learn about ECUs EFI etc, but in the big picture the guzzis are relatively simple to work on.
A multi meter really helps with electrical issues,,, as does devouring anything kiwiroy posts ;~)
Time, jungle juice atf/acetone, and heat will usually loosen just about any seized nut/bolt,,, youthful brute force will loosen things,, but usually in pieces,lol.
Sometimes,(many times) all that's needed is a bigger hammer.
Motorcycle metals,, especially Italian aluminum,,, is extremely fragile,,, I have 3 different torque wrenches and use them all the time,,, tighten on the light end of the spectrum and locktite everything,,, saves a lot of grief in the long run,,, you don't usually get that type of care at a dealer. jmho
The only thing I've had done at a dealer in the last few years,,, were 3 seperate tire and tube changes,,, 2 out of the 3 ended up flat because they pinched the tubes,,, so I bought a set of tire irons and learned how to use them,,, transferred this skill over to my lawn tractors and 8 wheeled argo,,, saving lots of money there,,lol.
Do your research, but it's really not rocket science,,, if you have questions,,, don't be afraid to ask,,, this forum can guide you through some pretty amazing jobs,,, I know the members here, gave me the knowledge and confidence to tackle stuff, I never would have before,,, there have been times I've made some pretty stupid mistakes,,, but the only damage was my pride,,, my bikes ultimately ended up running much better and more reliably due to my work and efforts.
good luck
Kelly
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Thanks guys for the responses, it eases my worries a lot knowing I can get good advice from folks who have owned and worked on these machines for decades! I'm looking foreword to going to a rally to meet some of the guys on here. Thanks again!