Who here does their own work?

Apex · May 13th, 2009, 02:51 PM

I mean on the bike.

Use the poll above, you can select multiple items, so answer away!!!

I'm just curious about:
1. Do you get your hands dirty?
Yes/No

2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc)
Yes/No

3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc)
Yes/No

4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc).
Yes/No

kkim · May 13th, 2009, 02:52 PM

1-4
yes

Apex · May 13th, 2009, 02:54 PM

A poll has been added.

OldGuy · May 13th, 2009, 02:55 PM

1 and 2 Yes
3 haven't tried/had to yet
4 would depend upon what the task was

Snake · May 13th, 2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex

I mean on the bike.

I'm just curious about:
1. Do you get your hands dirty?
Yes/No

2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc)
Yes/No

3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc)
Yes/No

4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc).
Yes/No

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No
4. No

Just the simple stuff. Affraid to mess anything more complicated up.

Viper-Byte · May 13th, 2009, 05:01 PM

I am happy doing the simple stuff, like jetting, exhaust, oil etc, but anything to do with the engine internally (not carbs) I am not confident in as yet.

Lars · May 13th, 2009, 05:52 PM

1/2 - Yes
3/4 - I'd love to learn how to do the more involved stuff, plus have the tools/space to do them as well.

wyckedflesh · May 13th, 2009, 07:28 PM

Going to clarify, I do get my hands dirty, and have no issue doing a full motor rebuild, but, my decision is based on time. If I have the time to do that deep an internal work, then yes, if I do not have the time, then no, I have a shop do the work, not necessarily the dealer.

SpyderGirl · May 13th, 2009, 08:19 PM

1. Do you get your hands dirty?
Yes

2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc)
Yes

3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc)
Some

4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc).
No

Lurkable · May 14th, 2009, 01:33 AM

1-4 yes. The only thing that scares me about this bike is the amount of time some things can take - for example the first time I removed the carbs, that was practically an all-day project.

I love this bike so naturally I'm willing to do any necessary work on the bike. The more you work on it, the more you learn about it. But...I work and go to school full time, so sometimes I will just have to pay someone to do it.

backinthesaddleagain · May 14th, 2009, 07:28 AM

When I was younger and raced mx I did all my own work - have to or else go broke. Also what do you do on race day if bike breaks. Years later, no tools worth mentioning, no time, so ride it, check it, and bring it to the dealer if something beyond oil change needs to be done (though dealer did first one). Also used to work for the dealer so still have good connections there. In fact a buddy of mine who works there and rides a litre bike wants me and him to do the slip on, rejet, air snorkel removal, and just for looks get rid of the fender extension. I think he is more curious than I am to see how it responds to the changes!

CodE-E · May 14th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Yes I do more intense maintenance 20 48.78%
No I don't do more intense maintenance 8 19.51%

These statistics have failed.

CC Cowboy · May 14th, 2009, 01:46 PM

I won't do anything intense without help from someone who has done it before.
I never use the dealership.
I never get my hands dirty (I wear gloves).

Rynownd · May 14th, 2009, 02:09 PM

Yes
Yes
Probably
Maybe, with an experienced mechanic by my side.

Sailariel · May 14th, 2009, 05:05 PM

I don`t have a problem doing my own work. I certainly do my own oil and filter changes, adjust my cables. chain, etc. While the bike is under warranty. I let the dealer worry about stuff like a sloppy cush drive--am scheduled for number two tomorrow. There is no reason that I should shim a sloppy cush drive while the bike is under warranty. Guess they are stuck with me for another two years. So far I have been happy with the Kawa dealer.

i916it · June 18th, 2009, 10:37 PM

1. yes
2. yes
3. if I learned how to do it right, yes
4. if I learned how to do it right, than MAYBE yes.

Grn99Kawi · June 19th, 2009, 05:01 PM

1. Do you get your hands dirty?
Yes

2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc)
Yes

3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc)
Sure... why not?

4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc).
With the amount of documentation to be found online, I certainly would (or will)

DerTeufel · June 19th, 2009, 05:09 PM

1. Do you get your hands dirty?
Yes

2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc)
Yes

3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc)
Yes

4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc).
Yes

nate-bama · June 19th, 2009, 05:44 PM

i really like working on my own stuff , no mechanic is going to treat your ride like you can!

CC Cowboy · June 19th, 2009, 06:06 PM

So I just got this new wrench set but I have to return it. I'm a righty and I think this is a lefty set.

Alex · June 19th, 2009, 06:34 PM

Maybe you can use 'em if you only work on things behind you.

Sailariel · June 22nd, 2009, 06:26 PM

One, Two, and Three, Yes. Four, No, while the bike is under warranty. I did shim the cush drive.

Duvivr6 · July 3rd, 2009, 09:57 AM

I do all of my stuff on my cars and just started doing my bike stuff since its my 1st bike!

almost40 · July 3rd, 2009, 10:08 AM

I let the dealer fix it while its under warranty. Then I fix what they fix. lol

NJD022588 · July 4th, 2009, 12:28 AM

I try to do as much as i can. If its over my head, it will go to the dealer.

#1-3, yes.
As for #4... valve adjustments? no. carbs? yes

FunSize · July 5th, 2009, 07:27 PM

I will have the dealer do any "warranty" work but as my hubby is an aircraft mech and used to make his living in the auto and racing industry, we do all our own work. That and he dosen't trust many dealer mechanics. Pic is a little something he works on... Just a tad more power than the 250R.

View Poll Results: Answer them! (multiple choice available)
Yes I get my hands dirty	82	78.10%
No I don't my your hands dirty	0	0%
Yes I do simplistic maintenance	73	69.52%
No I don't do simplistic maintenance	1	0.95%
Yes I do more intense maintenance	46	43.81%
No I don't do more intense maintenance	15	14.29%
I would/do work on the motor internals myself	34	32.38%
I would not/do not work on the motor internals myself	29	27.62%
HELLO!??!?! That is what the dealer is for!!!!!	6	5.71%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 105. You may not vote on this poll

May 13th, 2009, 02:54 PM	#3
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	A poll has been added. __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

May 13th, 2009, 05:01 PM	#6
Viper-Byte ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Wellington, New Zealand Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R in Green! (Sold) Now 2011 Triumph Daytona 675 SE Posts: 564	I am happy doing the simple stuff, like jetting, exhaust, oil etc, but anything to do with the engine internally (not carbs) I am not confident in as yet. __________________________________________________ 2008 GREEN Kawasaki Ninja 250R. AreaP Quiet Core Carbon Fibre : 8000k HIDs : Dynojet Jet kit : Double Bubble Windscreen

May 13th, 2009, 08:19 PM	#9
SpyderGirl 3 for street, 2 for dirt Name: Katlyn Location: San Francisco Bay Area (California) Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Can Am Spyder PE #1344 / 2009 Kawi KLX140L Monster Energy / 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R (RIP 8.23.09) Posts: 586	1. Do you get your hands dirty? Yes 2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc) Yes 3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc) Some 4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc). No __________________________________________________ Feel free to look me up on facebook.

May 14th, 2009, 01:46 PM	#13
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	I won't do anything intense without help from someone who has done it before. I never use the dealership. I never get my hands dirty (I wear gloves). __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

May 13th, 2009, 02:51 PM	#1
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	Who here does their own work? I mean on the bike. Use the poll above, you can select multiple items, so answer away!!! I'm just curious about: 1. Do you get your hands dirty? Yes/No 2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc) Yes/No 3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc) Yes/No 4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc). Yes/No __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

May 13th, 2009, 02:52 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	1-4 yes

May 13th, 2009, 02:55 PM	#4
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	1 and 2 Yes 3 haven't tried/had to yet 4 would depend upon what the task was __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

May 13th, 2009, 05:52 PM	#7
Lars ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Lebanon, NH Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796 (red) Posts: 41	1/2 - Yes 3/4 - I'd love to learn how to do the more involved stuff, plus have the tools/space to do them as well.

May 13th, 2009, 07:28 PM	#8
wyckedflesh ninjette.org guru Name: Mikel Location: Valley of the Sun Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Blue Kawasaki KLE650 Versys, '95 Ducati 900SS/CR (undergoing track conversion) Posts: 287	Going to clarify, I do get my hands dirty, and have no issue doing a full motor rebuild, but, my decision is based on time. If I have the time to do that deep an internal work, then yes, if I do not have the time, then no, I have a shop do the work, not necessarily the dealer.

May 14th, 2009, 01:33 AM	#10
Lurkable 250Arrrgh! Name: Andrew Location: San Francisco Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250R, 2001 996 Posts: 143	1-4 yes. The only thing that scares me about this bike is the amount of time some things can take - for example the first time I removed the carbs, that was practically an all-day project. I love this bike so naturally I'm willing to do any necessary work on the bike. The more you work on it, the more you learn about it. But...I work and go to school full time, so sometimes I will just have to pay someone to do it.

May 14th, 2009, 07:28 AM	#11
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	When I was younger and raced mx I did all my own work - have to or else go broke. Also what do you do on race day if bike breaks. Years later, no tools worth mentioning, no time, so ride it, check it, and bring it to the dealer if something beyond oil change needs to be done (though dealer did first one). Also used to work for the dealer so still have good connections there. In fact a buddy of mine who works there and rides a litre bike wants me and him to do the slip on, rejet, air snorkel removal, and just for looks get rid of the fender extension. I think he is more curious than I am to see how it responds to the changes!

May 14th, 2009, 10:55 AM	#12
CodE-E Ninja Newbie Name: Ben Location: Austria Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): EX250K9 Posts: 126	Yes I do more intense maintenance 20 48.78% No I don't do more intense maintenance 8 19.51% These statistics have failed.

May 14th, 2009, 02:09 PM	#14
Rynownd ninjette.org guru Name: Ryne Location: West Laf, IN Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 290	Yes Yes Probably Maybe, with an experienced mechanic by my side. __________________________________________________ http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/224099

May 14th, 2009, 05:05 PM	#15
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	I don`t have a problem doing my own work. I certainly do my own oil and filter changes, adjust my cables. chain, etc. While the bike is under warranty. I let the dealer worry about stuff like a sloppy cush drive--am scheduled for number two tomorrow. There is no reason that I should shim a sloppy cush drive while the bike is under warranty. Guess they are stuck with me for another two years. So far I have been happy with the Kawa dealer.

June 18th, 2009, 10:37 PM	#16
i916it ninjette.org member Name: Sky Location: Sacramento Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 250R 08 Posts: 63	1. yes 2. yes 3. if I learned how to do it right, yes 4. if I learned how to do it right, than MAYBE yes.

June 19th, 2009, 05:01 PM	#17
Grn99Kawi ninjette.org sage Name: A Location: Long Island, NY Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Honda CBR600F4 (sold) 1999 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 586	1. Do you get your hands dirty? Yes 2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc) Yes 3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc) Sure... why not? 4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc). With the amount of documentation to be found online, I certainly would (or will) __________________________________________________ 2000 Honda CBR600F4 Silver and Red 1999 Kawi Racing Green Ninja 250 sold

June 19th, 2009, 05:09 PM	#18
DerTeufel ninjette.org member Name: Aaron Location: Wildomar Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, 2009 KTM 690 SMC, 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (track bike) Posts: 172	1. Do you get your hands dirty? Yes 2. Do you do simplistic maintenance? (i.e.: oil changes, slip on exhaust, etc) Yes 3. Do you do more intense maintenance? (i.e.: Swingarm maintenance, fork removal, etc) Yes 4. Do you, or would you, work on the motor internals yourself? (i.e.: Valve adjustments, carbs, rebuilds, etc). Yes

June 19th, 2009, 05:44 PM	#19
nate-bama North Alabama Mtn. ryder Name: Nate Location: Alabama Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Posts: 537	1-4 yeah i really like working on my own stuff , no mechanic is going to treat your ride like you can! __________________________________________________ QTRltrPWR

June 19th, 2009, 06:06 PM	#20
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	So I just got this new wrench set but I have to return it. I'm a righty and I think this is a lefty set. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

June 19th, 2009, 06:34 PM	#21
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Maybe you can use 'em if you only work on things behind you. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

June 22nd, 2009, 06:26 PM	#22
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	One, Two, and Three, Yes. Four, No, while the bike is under warranty. I did shim the cush drive.

July 3rd, 2009, 09:57 AM	#23
Duvivr6 ninjette.org member Name: Duvi Location: Oklahoma City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R Special Ed Posts: 99	I do all of my stuff on my cars and just started doing my bike stuff since its my 1st bike!

July 3rd, 2009, 10:08 AM	#24
almost40 ninjette.org Monkey Spank Name: Kevin Location: Illinois Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.	I let the dealer fix it while its under warranty. Then I fix what they fix. lol __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

July 4th, 2009, 12:28 AM	#25
NJD022588 ============ Name: Nick Location: Occoquan, VA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 518	I try to do as much as i can. If its over my head, it will go to the dealer. #1-3, yes. As for #4... valve adjustments? no. carbs? yes

July 5th, 2009, 07:27 PM	#26
FunSize ninjette.org newbie Name: Pam Location: Orlando Florida Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R '03 Yamaha V Star 650 Clasic Posts: 4	Yup, we work on the bike I will have the dealer do any "warranty" work but as my hubby is an aircraft mech and used to make his living in the auto and racing industry, we do all our own work. That and he dosen't trust many dealer mechanics. Pic is a little something he works on... Just a tad more power than the 250R.

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