SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> The Cafe >> Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1319303800

Message started by built2last66 on 10/22/11 at 10:16:40

Title: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by built2last66 on 10/22/11 at 10:16:40

Does anyone know of any GOOD online motorcycle technology or repair/mechanic colleges that worth a darn? I've read review after review and they all seem to be garbage... I'm kind of interested in it but there aren't any real colleges in my area...

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by Demin on 10/22/11 at 10:23:21

I would say Education Direct.They've been around forever.BUT.I had a guy in my shop the other day asking the same thing.Why not buy a used/junk/cheap bike and the manual to go with it?I feel there is no substitution for hands on.I went to school for aviation maintenance.The book work was to understand the function of a paticular part(ie.piston).But until you see/feel it,take apart reassemble you're not getting the whole thing.........Just my opinion.

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by built2last66 on 10/22/11 at 11:26:25

7B7A7276711F0 wrote:

I have a bike, and I can tinker with it all I want and still not learn the actual physics/mechanics behind it all by myself... I can learn to rig it by myself all day long, but what I'd like is the actual smarts and "know how" to build an engine from scratch, and how to overhaul without blowing my arms off :D

I see nothing wrong with learning the particular purpose of a certain part in an engine, or what it's made of and why ;)

"Education Direct" or Penn Foster is what I keep reading bad reviews on... but some mixed reviews.. I'd like to actually find someone that completed their course and have a discussion with them.

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by Demin on 10/22/11 at 13:31:44

I understand.My Ex took a class,I think with Penn Foster.It was ok.They send you a section at a time.You do it,take the test and then when you pass that one they send you the next one.I don't think she ever got her "diploma" though,and all the money was paid. I forgot sometimes people aren't born into motorhead families,lol.
I'm the kind of person that learns hands on........which I still have both of,with all ten fingers. ;D

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by built2last66 on 10/22/11 at 13:39:52

04050D090E600 wrote:

My dad is an engineer and I grew up around motorcycles, but I never really owned one till now (most of my family has had or is a Harley rider). I know what you're saying about "hands on" but theirs no local colleges that have a program and I can only learn so much on my S40, so that's why I'm lookin for something more in depth... so the online college is what it looks like I'm gonna be stuck with...

What I've read about Penn Foster has been terrible.. too bad she had to pay for it without the diploma..

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/23/11 at 12:28:49

How about buying a clunker & fixing it up? Get a book,
or,, is there a local, private shop around? Maybe you could volunteer some time, clean up, roll bikes in & out, & get some training.,

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by built2last66 on 10/23/11 at 14:13:15

283731362B2C1D2D1D25373B70420 wrote:

How about buying a clunker & fixing it up? Get a book,
or,, is there a local, private shop around? Maybe you could volunteer some time, clean up, roll bikes in & out, & get some training.,

The shops around here don't want you in their garage even if they're working on your bike.. heh I tried that ;)

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/23/11 at 14:26:51

Sometimes it takes time to develop a relationship with an owner.. Go hang out, take do nuts, visit a while, pick up a broom & sweep a bit up.. I got a job in a blacksmith shop that way & that guy had never had anyone work with him.

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by built2last66 on 10/23/11 at 14:37:18

I'm considering some Auto-mechanic classes at the local college.. hey, it's all sparks, gas, pistons, and air right? :D

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by RidgeRunner13 on 10/23/11 at 14:50:44

Ask around & see if you can find someone who repairs/rebuilds bikes for people. You'll probably find the kind of guy you need from word of mouth, because they don't tend to advertise & generally work from a shop at their house & usually work alone. Get to know him before you ask about learning or helping out, because he's heard it before & won't trust you until he knows you a while.

If you're lucky, you'll find someone like I did at age 14 & learn lessons that last a lifetime. Even though it was cars and not bikes, the same things apply.

I still remember: Son, that engine doesn't know who made it or how many cylinders it has. It just needs air, fuel, compression & a spark at the right time & it will run. ;D

That has led me to work on some unusual engines through the years. And what I learned is still true today. And my daddy would bring home broken things for me to take apart because if it was already broken I couldn't hurt it. I got my first lawn mower that way, was given one almost new with a broken rod that I replaced. 8-)

Title: Re: Good online Motorcycle tech/repair colleges?
Post by arteacher on 10/23/11 at 15:52:04

I learned by doing. When I was young I couldn't afford to pay someone to fix my cars so I learned to do it myself, with the help of a friend or two, and the shop manual.
The first vehicle I ever owned, a '37 Enfield, I took apart, cleaned and painted, and re-assembled in the basement when I was 15. It was supposed to be a father son project, but it turned into a son project fairly quickly. Took me almost a year, but I got it done- without any manual.