Total Motorcycle Community Forums

MotoF150 wrote:I do OK fixing my bike myself, I can do anything any mechanic can do like changing oil and changing spark plugs is easy, some mechanics get paid very well to do that, its easy.

what you fail to realize is the mechanics arent getting paid really well. How much of that $50/hr for labor do you think actually goes to the mechanic? at most $20 unless you are a master mechanic and if your a master mechanic you arent doing the easy stuff like changing oil etc. the guy that changes your oil is making maybe $14/hr.

I sometimes have to fix equipment for another company that is near us. my company charges $80/hr for me to go over there and fix their machinery and if its an electrician they charge $120/hr. I dont make near that much nor do I get any extra $$$ outside of the 95 cents per trip to go and fix their machinery. Now my last statement was geared in that not everyone can figure out how to use a wrench or figure out what someone is talking about when it comes to changing spark plugs/oil etc. Some people cant and will never be able to learn until they have done it for the 200th time with help.

Very true. We live in an egalitarian society where everyone is supposed to be able to do anything if they put their mind to it.

I disagree.

But not only that, if you are a newb to wrenching, doing it on a 20 year old 2-wheeled vehicle that you intend to ride is probably not the best place to start.

well thanks alot guys i will try to find a local riders club thats a great idea.. im outside of Seattle,WA if anyone knows of one please inform me

MotoF150 wrote:I do OK fixing my bike myself, I can do anything any mechanic can do like changing oil and changing spark plugs is easy, some mechanics get paid very well to do that, its easy.

Weren't you complaining (repeatedly) that you paid a mechanic $115 to tighten a battery cable?

You need more than oil changing skills if you expect to "do OK" maintaing your own motorcycle.