Wrenching?
Top Answer
05-14-2018, 09:09 AM
I think back to what it was like 50 or so years ago. To ride meant you were forced by necessity to be competent in the maintenance of your machine. Until the Japanese got into the game in the 70's, every motorcycle out there was mechanically unsound and needed continuous attention.
Plus the machines were simple enough that a man with a halfway decent assortment of basic hand tools could perform any operation necessary in his garage. For guys riding HD's, almost everything on the bike was rider-serviceable. Add a hydraulic press to your garage, and you could almost do everything.
Today's machines are fundamentally different. When you roll a new bike off the lot, you expect it to operate more or less flawlessly for 100k miles. And if you don't **** it up, it probably will.
"Wrenching" doesn't mean what it used to mean.
Time was, "wrenching" meant something like solving a no-start problem, curing some horrible mechanical noise inside the motor, or repairing a catastrophic failure. Today, "wrenching" means bolting on some pipes or other doodads, or maybe changing fluids or brake pads. Go out to your garage, press the button, and your 2018 turns over vigorously but doesn't start? Good luck. Tow it to the dealer and plug it into the computer, identify the gizmo no longer holding it's smoke, replace, and on your way.
Its a totally different world. For the most part, the same digital technology that makes contemporary bikes so complex has also been used to deliver precision in manufacturing unheard of a couple of generations ago. Every new engine in every new vehicle sold in 2018 comes "balanced and blueprinted" from the factory to a level that the most competent hotrod shop circa 1963 could only dream of. Not to mention the dramatic improvements in metallurgy over the same time frame. Getting 100k miles out of a car used to really be something. Today, anything less than 250k (and without EVER doing any internal engine work) is a disappointment.
I don't have a new bike, but if I did, I doubt I'd ever lay a wrench to it. Maybe change the fluids. But that's it.
What's the point?
There seems to be a longing for the old-school ways, but today's bikes don't require it. Push the button and go.
Plus the machines were simple enough that a man with a halfway decent assortment of basic hand tools could perform any operation necessary in his garage. For guys riding HD's, almost everything on the bike was rider-serviceable. Add a hydraulic press to your garage, and you could almost do everything.
Today's machines are fundamentally different. When you roll a new bike off the lot, you expect it to operate more or less flawlessly for 100k miles. And if you don't **** it up, it probably will.
"Wrenching" doesn't mean what it used to mean.
Time was, "wrenching" meant something like solving a no-start problem, curing some horrible mechanical noise inside the motor, or repairing a catastrophic failure. Today, "wrenching" means bolting on some pipes or other doodads, or maybe changing fluids or brake pads. Go out to your garage, press the button, and your 2018 turns over vigorously but doesn't start? Good luck. Tow it to the dealer and plug it into the computer, identify the gizmo no longer holding it's smoke, replace, and on your way.
Its a totally different world. For the most part, the same digital technology that makes contemporary bikes so complex has also been used to deliver precision in manufacturing unheard of a couple of generations ago. Every new engine in every new vehicle sold in 2018 comes "balanced and blueprinted" from the factory to a level that the most competent hotrod shop circa 1963 could only dream of. Not to mention the dramatic improvements in metallurgy over the same time frame. Getting 100k miles out of a car used to really be something. Today, anything less than 250k (and without EVER doing any internal engine work) is a disappointment.
I don't have a new bike, but if I did, I doubt I'd ever lay a wrench to it. Maybe change the fluids. But that's it.
What's the point?
There seems to be a longing for the old-school ways, but today's bikes don't require it. Push the button and go.
#2
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#3
Not everybody likes to wrench on their bikes or do not have the time, or even the skills to do it. I have some things I will not do to my bike for a multitude of reasons. I never begrudge anyone for not working on their ride since we all have our passions. My wife will wrench on her bike, but many of her friends do not.
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#4
Keep reading friend.
#5
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That. Besides, some people have more time than money, and others have more money than time. Me, I have the tools, a fair amount of wrenching experience, and have the money to pay a dealer, but sometimes, I just can't be bothered.
#6
Prof Rene,
Don't get me wrong... not begrudging... I was curious more about if there were specific issues with Harleys.
I had a Sportster before and didn't do much to it. I had a Honda VTX and there was a large forum of people modifying - I took it apart completely and completely customized it - learned to wrench on it. I just don't see the same level of mod help as I did with the VTX. Maybe Harleys just don't need the same level of modding.
Yes, this I get... I'm with you.
Don't get me wrong... not begrudging... I was curious more about if there were specific issues with Harleys.
I had a Sportster before and didn't do much to it. I had a Honda VTX and there was a large forum of people modifying - I took it apart completely and completely customized it - learned to wrench on it. I just don't see the same level of mod help as I did with the VTX. Maybe Harleys just don't need the same level of modding.
Yes, this I get... I'm with you.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; 05-13-2018 at 10:52 PM.
#7
I have a LONG line of wrenching......all the way back to first mini bike at the age of 10.........worked on all my cars and bikes thru the years........find it just as enjoyable as riding during the winter.......like already stated......some dont have that kind of experience, not the confidence to delve into wrenching.......some would rather ride than wrench.......some dont have the aptitude for mechanicals......
Million reasons TO do it......Million reasons NOT to do it!!
Million reasons TO do it......Million reasons NOT to do it!!
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#8
And in their defense bikes today are not exactly user friendly when it comes to wrenching, oop's cost's lots more....
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; 05-13-2018 at 08:42 PM.
#9
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#10
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Prof Rene,
Don't get me wrong... not begrudging... I was curious more about if there were specific issues with Harleys.
I had a Sportster before and didn't do much to it. I had a Honda VTX and there was a large forum of people modifying - I took it apart completely and completely customized it - learned to wrench on it. I just don't see the same level of mod help as I did with the VTX. Maybe Harleys just don't need the same level of modding.
Don't get me wrong... not begrudging... I was curious more about if there were specific issues with Harleys.
I had a Sportster before and didn't do much to it. I had a Honda VTX and there was a large forum of people modifying - I took it apart completely and completely customized it - learned to wrench on it. I just don't see the same level of mod help as I did with the VTX. Maybe Harleys just don't need the same level of modding.
Harley is different IMO because they will mod the bike at the dealer with a warranty.
I'm a fairly capable wrench and right now my ride is a 06 Electraglide. I do maintenance and repairs that don't require special tools. If I ever decide to change the cam/ cam plate assy I will hire a indy because I've never done it and I would rather have someone that has more experience to do it for me.