Getting into Biking: Mechanical knowledge?

Unreal · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2006 Karma :

I'm totally new to the world of biking, and I'm wondering how much mechanical/technical knowledge is required to be adequate. How much compared to say, owning a car? I wouldn't be looking at biking necessarily as a hobby, more as a means of transport, but I'd probably get into it as I go along.

Thanks!

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

You can get along just following the basics in the owners manual and taking the rest to a garage.

Though if you've got the will, there's plenty of easy things to learn and build from there.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

At a minimum I would say you need to be able to:

Check the oil level and top it up.
Top up the coolant and brake fluid if necessary.
Adjust the chain tension.
Check the tyre pressures.
If it is a 2-stroke, remove, clean and replace the sparkplug.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

SilvaRizla · Spanner Monkey Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Karma :

^^^^^^^^ He forgot to mention all of which are a piece of p*ss
____________________
I'm Ivan Dobski the Meatsafe Murderer only I never done it, I only said that I done it so they'd take the truncheon out of my bottom

Unreal · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2006 Karma :

Fair enough then, thanks a lot guys!

dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

Know how to fill up with petrol and whether your bike has a reserve tap and how to use it. Wink

Jamie. · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2005 Karma :

Get a haynes manual and your set Laughing

FreshAL · Sir Crashalot Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

You'll get taught the very basics if you do DAS.

Simple mechanical knowledge like Stinky mentioned is now part of the test.