Attn Ladies - do you do your own maintenance?

[CrazyKell]

Just wondering how many ladies do their own maintenance (anything from basic to more advanced).

I'm writing an article on learning how to do some basic things and am just looking to get some perspective on the issue.

Personally, I'm very mechanically challenged and it's been a real struggle for me to learning anything. It's not that I don't want to, it's that, well, you don't know what you don't know. Slowly I'm learning though.

Any thoughts?

[CrazyKell]

Just thought about something. This might come off as excluding men.

I don't necessarily mean to exclude men, the article is being written for a female audience though and the editor wants comments from females in it.

I'd be interested to hear men's comments as well. Sorry about that.

[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.

[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

[Cutty72]

The gf does her own, with my supervision and muscle as needed.

It was a lot harder for me to slow down and TEACH than it was for her to learn it!

[HokieDNA01]

I do my own basics, oil, removing wheels for tire swaps etc. Hoping to learn more and gain more confidence tackling things.

[racedoll]

Originally Posted by Cutty72

The gf does her own, with my supervision and muscle as needed.

Same here - I do the work but Erik supervises and helps with those stubborn bolts. I also have a service manual, from Kawasaki (not an "aftermarket" one).

I had to buy one special tool, a 22mm hex head socket for my front axle. I could only get from Snap On so it was an arm and a leg, but is better than rigging up something like we did the first time I took the front wheel off.

A lot of people (I work with) are surprised that I work on my own bike (car too). I take pride in knowing about the bike or car that I'm operating. I may not know as much as someone else, but I know more than some.