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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Iahawk on February 17, 2026, 01:54:06 PM
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OK, third time trying to post this...will not attach pic as that seems to be the issue(?)
The son of a good friend of mine started riding last year and asked me if I would help walk him through his first DIY oil change. On Sunday he rode his Honda Rebel 1100 into my garage and we got started.
I explained the why and how to each step but had him do all the work. It was great to see the lightbulb go on when he realized that it is not that difficult, it is very satisfying and it costs less than taking it to the dealer! We talked about future maintenance (brake fluid and coolant) that we'll tackle next year.
For now our next maintenance item will be the chain. Clean, lube and adjust.
He is even going to buy a basic set of tools this week so he can be prepared to start doing things on his own.
Very satisfying to watch a young, new rider get excited about learning about his bike and how to maintain it.
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Great stuff Hawk and thanks for enthusing the next generation! I only wish I'd had someone to do that for me 50-odd years ago ;D
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1100, sizeable first bike, I had enough DIY when I was younger, mostly on cars, what did I learn, I'm not a pro mechanic and I can't afford more than basic tools don't see much sense in buying a tool, only to use it once
after I was licensed in my professions (land surveying, onsite wastewater disposal & wetland scientist) I could make more $$ doing what I do, than the dealer charges for service, I also found that the dealer was willing to barter for my services, I'm retired now, they still give me 15% discount on parts & labor, gear, VP 50:1 premix for my chainsaw
something I learned from the mobile mechanic that did the first 50 service on my new tractor, on all the new filters with a paint pen, wrote the date & tractor hours (on vehicles with an odo, mileage instead of hours)
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I agree that an 1100 is a very big first bike! He is a big guy...around 6'4". He originally started looking for a Rebel 300 or 500 but was convinced at the dealer to get the 1100. Even the 1100 looks kind of small under him. The parallel twin makes good power but not crazy power like an inline 4 liter bike. He put around 3500 miles on it his first riding season.
He is married with a young child so money is kind of tight. Doing the work himself will be beneficial.
I asked him where he keeps track of his maintenance and he gave me a blank look. He now has a spreadsheet where he'll keep track of his maintenance.
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I asked him where he keeps track of his maintenance and he gave me a blank look. He now has a spreadsheet where he'll keep track of his maintenance.
As do we all :D
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As do we all :D
No spread sheet - but I find the last few blank pages of the owner's manual to be a good place to keep track of servicing. It is left in the scoot for quick reference.
Stig
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Good work Hawk.
Poverty taught me VW servicing! My brother and his buddies were building dragsters.....(Dodge Volare') so were of no help to me. My first service went poorly. Had to have the car towed to a VW dealer. Who knew they put cosmoline on new points?!
Stig
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Who knew they put cosmoline on new points?!
haha, not me!
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Good work Hawk.
Poverty taught me VW servicing! My brother and his buddies were building dragsters.....(Dodge Volare') so were of no help to me. My first service went poorly. Had to have the car towed to a VW dealer. Who knew they put cosmoline on new points?!
Stig
My brother was mechanic/builder for a Nascar mini-stock team, they ran a Type 3 Fastback, he was great help, as was this
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91v6hxlaRKL._SL1500_.jpg)
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My brother was mechanic/builder for a Nascar mini-stock team, they ran a Type 3 Fastback, he was great help, as was this
I didn't find that book until later - back in 1971. I think it's still in my bookcase. The drawings were the best part, as it seemed his advice frequently covered cars older than mine....but the how-to's were of help.
Longest trip I ever took in a Beetle ('73 Super) was Amherst, Mass to Union Sq., San Franisco. Stuck in some kind of parade - it was the 4th of July. Everything 2 of us owned - bought the OEM roof rack.
Places out west the headwind was so strong I was cruising in 3rd gear, mountain passes so steep I was in 2nd. Back-fired going down the back side of the Rockies - as the timing changes per altitude - or something.
(https://i.postimg.cc/xT90YGkt/Beetle.jpg)
Apparently VW is bringing it back for 2026. Some say all electric, others say turbo-4.
Stig