Bordering on dumb question

I've done basic maint on my bike but I would like to do more than just work. I've checked adult ed in the area but I can't find anything other than schools for becoming a full tech. Any recommendations or did everyone just get a manual and go from there??

About the best thing I can suggest is to find a knowledgeable (and willing) KZr member or someone else knowledgeable enough near you that could basically "show you the ropes" in delving deeper into working on your bike.

I've always found it easier to learn via the hands-on method. And while I'm no pro, I know enough/am willing to learn more and I'm confident enough to do what's needed to keep my bikes running.

Or is that "I know just enough to get myself into trouble"?:huh:
Either/or, it works for me! :laugh:

I've twisted wrenches most all of my life starting on the farm. I'll admit that I seem to have a gift for taking something apart and being able to put it back together so it actually works again. Admittedly, there were some experiments early on that didn't work again, though.

The best advice I can give is to get a cheap digital camera (not a camera phone which don't seem to be able to clear or close-in shots) and snap pics as you take something apart so you can have a reference when putting things back together.

A factory service manual is a must. A Clymer manual is a workable second choice (actually having both is good as one will have pics or a description that complements the other). READ, READ, READ, those manuals! The Kawasaki service manuals actually have a good "how it works" section that is very informative. At least the manual for the KZ650 line up to 1980 includes this section.

Get interested in a certain area of your bike and monitor that KZR forum. Read the archives.

Being a proficient mechanic on your bike is an exercise in learning and discovery. Don't be afraid to use Google to search for other sites that cater to mechanics or these old bikes. Be a sponge and then go out to the garage and practice.

del

not a dumb question at all, the sad thing is most if not all the tech schools are going to be aimed at the new market style of bikes, since they make the money by placing people into jobs.
The best way to learn is by the school of hard knocks,buy the fsm and go after it

Get the manuals. You are already connected to the (BORKK) Bookoo Online Repository of Kawasaki Knowledge(here) . What more do you need? ah...nope ....can't help with the next winning lottery numbers....:blink: How about a tip on changing your blinker fluid instead? :woohoo:

It takes a little more reading, but I did the Fosters correspondence class. It really doesn't dive into a spefic brand or era of bike, but it does do a pretty good job of covering the basics and gives a good platform to launch from.

Where are you located? Find a nearby KZR member and start hanging out...if not, buy the KHI manual and start reading (as has been suggested)...the manual will give you (generally) pretty good guidance and let you know where you need special tools...and invest in a decent set of metric tools. Consider the KZR forum a resource, use the archives...whatever you run into has generally been run into before (use other folks experiences so you don't have to reinvent the proverbial wheel).

i dont see anything dumb at all about your question! i too learned to dismantle things at a young age,dear ol dad was too cheap to ever pay anybody to do anything,his motto was its allready broke so we sure as hell cat hurt it any!:laugh:

BORKK? That's hilarious, Logan. Another name this place can be known for!! :silly:

Great idea! :laugh: Let's get Stein on it...

When I was young and tired of paying mechanics for anything trickier than oil changes.:blush:
I jumped at the chance to help an older friend rebuild his old F-150 engine for his knowlege and tips.
All engines are all pretty much the same and the expierence taught me a lot.
MC engines are easier to reach but everything is covering everything else :huh: