Where can I work on my bike?

doowdivad · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 May 2017 Karma :

Dear Members!

I have just bought a bike on ebay after returning from a six month motorcycle adventure across the US. My bike is not quite MoT ready; so it needs a bit of work from me. Unfortunately, I live in a flat in Kings X and don't have anywhere to work. I have my tools, but can anyone advise on somewhere I can work (a shared garage; cooperative; kind member!). Also, would love it if anyone is interested in accompanying me on the journey!

All the best,

David

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Whats wrong with the side of the road?
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

doowdivad · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 May 2017 Karma :

Needs a bit of work - I need to to replace the rear suspension. I have brought a replacement. Need some time to install; and to get things wrong. Also have stick front breaks; need to take apart, check and put back together. Apart from that it runs well.

Whats wrong with the side of the road - of course doable! But not ideal. A mix of drunk passers by and changeable weather conditions means I cant concentrate and take my time - ultimately my fault... but thats where I'm at!

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Monoshock?
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

doowdivad · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 May 2017 Karma :

I have a thundercat 600 (1999). I have brought a replacement R6 Shock with an adapter. So yup a monoshock.

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Get a mattress and lie it on it's side. Easy to swap then.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

Amber Phoenix · Traffic Copper Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Karma :

Pop down https://www.ovalmotorcyclecentre.co.uk/

Almost shutdown recently, but looks like they're staying a float a bit longer. Nonetheless, great facilities, zillions of tools at your disposal and good expert advice on hand if needed. They charge bench time by the hour, or offer more subscription based schemes if you regularly need some bench time to tinker with bike.

Have used them a few times in the past, always been super helpful at showing me how stuff should be done. Got to keep supporting them, as it would really be a shame if they did shut shop for good.
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BTTD · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

doowdivad · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 May 2017 Karma :

I am a bit torn. I like the idea of having someone on hand to provide advice and guidance. I think it would be 4-6 hours work for me as a beginner - (1) install rear shock (2) clean out front calipers. So 120-180 quid... which is still cheaper than a mechanic. But it could easily take longer.

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

doowdivad · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 May 2017 Karma :

Nobby - I'll give you a fiver if you can do it.

weasley · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Karma :

But things like calipers don't need to be done by the bike. 2 minutes to undo the bolts and banjos then take them inside to work on. If you need help, take them with you to see a friend/mechanic for advice. Refitting and bleeding is an easy road-side job.

The shock is more involved and may benefit from a place to go, but you need to be clear whether you will get it done within a certain time. I'm lucky; if the job goes tits up I can throw my tools across the garage, storm out and slam the door until another time. If you are renting by the hour and something goes wrong, you still have to be able to leave at the end (or pay for overnight storage, if this is offered).
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Ste · Not Work Safe Joined: 01 Sep 2002 Karma :

No need to pay for workshop / bench rental time to work on the brakes cos when your bike is parked at home you can take the calipers off and take them inside your flat to clean.

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

andyscooter · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 May 2009 Karma :

Apparently you are meant to take it to bits and leave it on its side chained to a lampost
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doowdivad · L Plate Warrior Joined: 07 May 2017 Karma :

But things like calipers don't need to be done by the bike. 2 minutes to undo the bolts and banjos then take them inside to work on. If you need help, take them with you to see a friend/mechanic for advice. Refitting and bleeding is an easy road-side job.

Thanks man. That sounds sensible.

Another general question. One of the fitting of my air vent has snapped. So its only fixed on one side... another reason why I'm sure it wont pass the MoT (sigh). Any advice one somewhere in London I can get it welded back on. Tried calling one place but they said they dont work on bikes.

You have a thundercat as well? Marvellous.

Amber Phoenix · Traffic Copper Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Karma :

ZRX61 · Victor Meldrew Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :