More and more as Americans we live in a state of fear. TSA people make us feel like criminals as they take away our toothpaste and shampoo. What’s the Terror Alert Status today? Our 401Ks have disappeared and no one can get a job. Those who have one are afraid of losing it. We’re saving our money afraid of some unforeseen tragedy just around the next dark corner.Add to that the simple fact that motorcycles have become more complex, more competent vehicles and we have a generation of riders who are afraid to work on their own bikes. This is not only silly, it can be down right dangerous to not work on your own bike. Even if you ride a Goldwing, you have to remember, a motorcycle is not a car. Low tire pressure on a car is a nuisance and needs attention, but low pressure on a motorcycle is a real and immediate danger.
So what does that have to do with this old CB350 and my struggles with parts? Everything! Installing my own products does several important things. First it saves money. With shop rates at about $85 an hour, you can rack up some real savings in an afternoon spinning your own wrenches.Perhaps even more important is that it tends to engage me at a deeper level with my bike and motorcycling in general. When I made the bold move to install a product, I started taking a hand’s on approach to my machine. I’ve gained a sense of accomplishment while getting to know this motorcycle better. And believe it or not, I’ve also relearned a couple of simple things.
1. Read the instructions first. The guys who designed and built these products most likely also wrote the instructions. They know a thing or two about installations, so I’m learning to take advantage of their expertise. A few minutes reading up front would have saved me lots of time and possible frustration. This time investment helps me to avoid some of the more common and easily preventable install mistakes.
2. Read the instructions again. This time looking for any special parts or tools necessary to complete the job. Make sure all the parts are at hand. Without fear, trepidation or undue stress, dive in.
Look, no one should know this motorcycle better than me, and I won’t get that understanding by taking it to the shop.
