Some tips for first time mechanics

[Puunjob]

I got my gs500 at the about 2 months ago and since the season ended I have started doing some work on it Having never done work on a bike or a car I had a few problems so I thought I would share soem of my discoveries in the hope that my mistakes might help someone else.  

1) taking it apart is the easy part
2)never assume you will remeber were something goes (screws, hoses ect.)
3) label everything you take out (mark hoses and there connection points with tape, put all bolts and screws on a piece of paper and write what they go to next to them)
4) pay close attention to how hoses work there way throught the frame.  
5) the manual is confusing its OK read it slowly and carefully
6) be careful when removing hoses full of gass they can pop off and you will get gass in your eyes which hurts a lot
7)your wirk will allways take longer than you think it should
go slow and be careful
9) don't get mad the worst thing that will happen is you have to take it to a shop which you would of had to do anyway if you hadn't fixed it yourself
10) ask lots of questions no matter how dumb you think they are

good luck I hope this helps someone avoid all the headaches I had

[jtenright]

nice tips and they are all true,
I have worked on cars since I was 15(now I am 20), took every Auto class I could in highschool, and even worked at an Auto shop as a assistant mechanic.
and I still have not learned to label hoses, and YOU MUST , the more you have and the closer they are to each other the harder it is

I actually put in new pilot jets 2 days ago, and didn't have any masking tape around and was in a huurry so had a little trouble getting all the hoses back, and am  not sure they are even in the right place now

my mechanic tips of the day:

*If you have basic tools, start doing basic maitenance to your car or bike or anything that needs it

*You will find at 1st you will not be saving any $$$, b/c you will mostlikely need a tool you don't have, and buy the best tools you can, Craftsman are the best for the average mechanic, MAC and Snap-On are the best, but unless it is what you do for a living they are not needed

*Try to have a neighbor, dad, friend, teacher.......that knows what they are doing look over your sholder at 1st

*don't rush things or you will forget important things, the first thing the guys at the Autoshop told me, besides that Fords are POS is a job done right the 1st time is the fastest. The speed will come w/ practice.

* Don't get too frustrated, working pissed off can lead to accidents and half assed jobs

*HAVE FUN, BE PROUD OF YOUR WORK
I really have saved Thousands of $$$$, but the feeling of a job complete and and a problem fixed, modification success is like no other

I will shut up now sorry for Auto Theory 101
maybe I am just a crazy grease monkey

[JohNLA]

Good tips
I am to lazy to label. Instead I take digital photos for reference and if I still miss something I check out the schematics on bikebandit.com

[Casimir]

I'll add a couple:
- Get a torque wrench, the bolt heads twist off easily.
- Cold hands hurt a lot more than warm ones when you bark your knuckles.
- Don't look into a hydraulic fitting while moving the piston.
- Liberal Polaroid(TM) or digital pictures can help you figure our where that hose was.
- The screw heads on the float bowls will strip, be prepared and don't get frustrated.

[Moose]

Okay I will add one myself, expect the worst and hope for the best.  This applies in any type of mechanical work.  And it a bolt does not want to give try a different angle.  I have a tendon that was cut in the top of my hand because I didn't take my time and try a different angle.  As always be cafeful when working on anything, accidents can happen.  And label all HOSES!!!!

[Blueknyt]

i think the best piece of advice my dad gave me when working on stuff:

It's only a machine, a machine was built by a human, so a human can fix it, but, the machine is extremly patient, it has all the time in the world, dont loose your cool or your focus.  if you get your twinky in a twist, walk away from it for 30mins to anhour. DONT be affraid to ask stupid questions about it, the stupid part is to assume.  (im guilty of this currently)   the Book will have the answers, dont have one? GET ONE.

[Moose]

Hey Srinath, Maybe you can give your insight into this topic.  I am such a smartass.