How about a " How to do section" for servicing.

[Captain Black]

I know a lot of the seasoned pro's on here know most aspects of the airhead GS and are happy to share and help with question etc, but would it be possible to have a section for those willing to learn about maintaining the bike they own.
Certain things like setting valve clearances properly, and setting up the carbs etc etc, down to an oil change and so on.
I have done a search for " valve clearances" for instance and while i can find snippets of information i cant find a full start to finish guide. Found something about end float but couldnt see the important photos.
It's just a thought.....maybe stuff already exists and i just cant find it. A photo and plain speaking how to do certain jobs would be a great thing to have. Any thoughts please? Thanks.

 

[Rob Farmer]

I take it you didn't find the airhead service guide - There's one here http://www.scribd.com/doc/414386/Bmw-Repair-Manual-r80Gs-r100R

It's free on line and contains stuff like this

 

[Crapaud]

Good idea.

I'll try to have a camera or two ready during airhead weekend and try to log some of the jobs performed then.

cheers

Sid

 

[fayeslane]

+1 Good idea particularly with lots of photos.

Also good to mention the common cock ups when doing specific jobs so other poor buggers don't find out the hard way

 

[Captain Black]

Nice one Rob!

No i did'nt find that at all, most helpful for future.

Still think the enthusiasts photographic/general guidance "how to do it" thread on the various service topics maybe a really useful thing to have available. Certain guys on here have it with their skills to put something forward thats an easy step by step guide. Most manuals seem to make certain jobs heavy going, when a good laymens pictorial with a few words would be so much better.
It's only a thought, but heay at least i know where i can get to a manual on line now. Thanks again Rob. I thought lots of stuff would exist online/you tube that would serve as a how to do it guide. Seems in the main only Japanese stuff on you tube to watch re valve settings etc etc.
Popping off in my motorhome in a bit to the coast for a chill out, shame my service manual has'nt come, i could have read it with my hot chocolate before bed!! lol

 

[Captain Black]

Should have said i was meaning a more "how to do" guide rather than a what to do, that assumes you know what the heck your doing in the first place, which is what all the manuals seem to take for granted.

Oh well i know what i mean even if others dont...lol

 

[hairyhippy]

Whilst photo threads are really good, I find that one of the best ways for me to learn is via video. They could all go on youtube or similar.

 

[Padmei]

I take it you've had a look at Oldscool in advrider.com
Apart from all the seppo crap they talk about, there are some very good pictorial build threads. I have learnt a lot form them.
Antons site http://www.largiader.com/ has a lot of info as does

Snowbum(if you can wade thru all the crap)
http://www.bmwmotorcycletech.info/index.html


For basic stuff try these good threads http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=431153

http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling/r100gs/index.html
http://jhau.maliwi.de/mot/r80gs.html

 

[(RIP) pastyman]

Haines has got most of what you need to know

 

[Mick13]

for those who read French

http://www.flatistech.fr/

 

[Steptoe]

You'll never learn how to balance carbs reading from a book or looking pictures.

 

[Crapaud]

I never have a problem stripping things down and dismantling bikes. I just undo all the nuts and bolts and eventually everthing falls to the ground.

The problem starts when I try to put it all back together again. Haynes manual usually says something like "assembly is the reversal of disassemby".

This doesn't allow for the forces of gravity that caused all the bits and pieces to fall to the ground.

Also Haynes never explains what to do with all the bits that are always left over after you've put it all back together?

 

[(RIP) Proff]

I never have a problem stripping things down and dismantling bikes. I just undo all the nuts and bolts and eventually everthing falls to the ground.

The problem starts when I try to put it all back together again. Haynes manual usually says something like "assembly is the reversal of disassemby".

This doesn't allow for the forces of gravity that caused all the bits and pieces to fall to the ground.

Also Haynes never explains what to do with all the bits that are always left over after you've put it all back together?

BUT...
You do a have a helping hand at your beck and call
who is only a phone call away...

 

[(RIP) pastyman]

Theres always one

 

[fayeslane]

Also Haynes never explains what to do with all the bits that are always left over after you've put it all back together?

If the bike works fine without the left over parts then they are obviously surplus to requirements and a useful contribution to weight reduction

May be this is why a lot of bikes are advertised as coming with assorted spares

Probably best not to buy anything off me

 

[toadjam]

how to

i can see what capt black is saying , i started riding bikes in 1975 .
learned how to keep them on the road with a10,s , rode 350 cossacks to rc30/ owo1 .


but having to learn it all again , 5 years of airhead ownership . they are diferent to other bikes and i need help with mine . thats why i log on to this site .


floor space in shetland if required .