Pass on the Knowledge

[KXcam22]

This might sound corny but, just a plea to members to pass on your knowledge whenever you can to help create and foster more lifetime motorcyclists.  There are always kids in the neighbourhood, friends sons etc that own a dirtbike but don't have a parent or friend to turn to for bike guidance.  I had the opportunity last weekend to spend an extremely rewarding day helping a friends 14 year old son who had recently puchased a used 01 yz125.  It was his first real bike and with no one in his family having a bike, really didn't know anything except how to mix his gas.  I spent the day with him teaching him all about his bike and how to set it up. Simple things like loosening the lever clamps on the bars so they spin in a crash were all new to him.  Teaching him how to set the suspension for his weight and ability was a huge improvment (his fork compression was on 3!! and the rear was sprung for a gorilla).  He started out scared to work on it and was amazed at the simplest things - like how easy it was to take the subframe off with everything attached to get access.  Tire pressures, brake bleeding, even greased the suspension linkages, all stuff that was new to him.  By the end of the day we went throught the entire bike, with him doing all the work and me coaching.

I guess the idea is that many of us have spent years gaining the bike knowledge we have and it's nice to pass it on. We always pass it on to our kids but there are others who could benefit as well.  One of the most rewarding afternoons I have spent in a while. Cam.

[FuriouSly]

I second that Cam.   Every chance I get, I try to help anyone that accepts it.  I am not a super mechanic, but do have the basics down.  Nothing more satisfying than imparting some experience and knowledge to someone, for free.  On this world you will be judged for many things upon leaving, and what you do with your talent (knowledge, skills, experience, etc.) is a big one.

Sly

[Timbowe]

Good call there guys! The young of this world need all the encouragement that they can get these days. To be lucky enough to own and have an interest in bikes is a great thing for kids which can play a big part of their lives in their comming years. There seems to be a lot more distractions around these days compared to my youth. A good sound interest in bikes is a great way to start off.

 Also good skills for so much in every day life. Reaction times, physical strengh, decision making, and judgement to name a few. the sooner kids can learn these the better.

                                     

[5dracing]

I too have spent the afternoon on several occasions with the neighbors in tow. My son was the first in the area to have a dirtbike and it ballooned from there to six at one time. One neighbor rented an excavator and dump truck and gave me 6 acres to build a place for the kids to ride. All he wanted in return was for me to teach his kids the basics of maintaining their bikes. I've since showed them how to do top ends and clutch changes. I also get to do minor work to his bike which is a Triumph Tiger 955i (what a roads bike, ie fire roads, dirt roads, back roads). My garage became the hangout place. Rootbeers in the fridge and salsa and chips on the bench!!!. Could'nt even park my truck inside for the entire summer.

I can also say that my daughter can rebuild a two stroke 85 as good or better than any of the boys.

How was that on Flika, "When are you gonna realize your daughter is you". She does a lot of the wrenching on her 250ex 4 wheeler.