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Going back to college

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:37 pm
by Gio
Was talking to my eldest sons (he was a mechanic) old boss yesterday and was mentioning about my Falco and that I wanted to keep up with bikes but not ride them. He said if I wanted he could sponsor me at the local college on a bike mechanics course. Now I'm really interested, as its cheaper than me paying direct. Has anyone done this sort of thing and is it relevant to todays bikes?

Cheers :smt001

PS Kwack, I didn't know where to put this so if you want to move it please do.

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:07 pm
by Kwackerz
Errm... Someone did, cant remember who it was though.

It probably is worth it, however each Marque will have it's own special things going on.. I dunno... Injection systems with Hondas.. maybe stupid valve systems on a suzuki.. special timing methods on a Duke.. not to mention there are about 100 different ignition and electronic systems about, rather than the old.. 'plugs and points or lucas electronic ignition system'

It'd only be a broad brush course as you'd never have time or knowhow available to do all marques and their modern specialities but it'd 'get you by' when you pick up a Haynes.

I cant remember who it was did the bloody course now.. :smt012

Gonna move this to..errm... oh bollocks. Leave it here.

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:18 pm
by Syltiz
got space for another? :smt001

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:17 pm
by Gio
Syltiz wrote:got space for another? :smt001
No idea, but its a general thing not bike/model specific.

I'll ask :smt001

Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:52 pm
by BikerGran
I remember HS was looking into it a few years ago but couldn't find a course close enough to be practical.

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 12:01 am
by Trumpeteer
Why bother...
Gio me old mucker, forget all this dreaming...why would you want to stay in the know when its not relevant to you?
Its just a placebo in place of another bike. You wont get any Kudos or satisfaction if you dont ride a bike.

So you had a few offs...we all have.
Take Sam for example, a very serious accident but he got back on that horse...

I think you a looking for an excuse...FFS face your fears and get back on.


OR
Yes Peter, thats a very good idea and will be very valuable to you in the future.

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:29 am
by Gio
Trumpeteer wrote:Why bother...
Gio me old mucker, forget all this dreaming...why would you want to stay in the know when its not relevant to you?
Its just a placebo in place of another bike. You wont get any Kudos or satisfaction if you dont ride a bike.

So you had a few offs...we all have.
Take Sam for example, a very serious accident but he got back on that horse...

I think you a looking for an excuse...FFS face your fears and get back on.


OR
Yes Peter, thats a very good idea and will be very valuable to you in the future.

Or do neither, which is more likely.

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 12:03 pm
by Falcopops
Syltiz wrote:got space for another? :smt001
Have a wobble round the web for courses in Kingston, IIRC there is a well recognised course available. Now you are likely to be in a class of spotty 16 year old's, but just imagine how easy it will be to impress their girlfriends :smt002

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:36 pm
by Kwackerz
Trumpeteer wrote: So you had a few offs...we all have.

I hit a shopping trolley once. :smt009

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:21 pm
by Trumpeteer
I really would like to see you on a bike again Gio. I personally think you were a good rider despite being inexperienced.
The hobby (whatever) needs enthusiastic people like you.

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:22 pm
by Syltiz
I have to agree... even though I only rode with you once Gio. Just a thought.. I dont mean to disrespectfully challenge your decision to quit, but maybe instead of quiting take a year off regular road riding and just do courses... track-based (CSS for eg) and road-based (Bikesafe, AIM, Rapid etc). That should improve your confidence and hopefully reduce your chances off an accident.

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:34 pm
by Trumpeteer
Sound advice.
I think all you lacked was really being aware of the dynamics of what your bike was doing and therefore its limitations.
Physically and mentally you had all the rest.....






<shakes head in disbelief at telling Gio he was mentally together>

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:21 pm
by woody
Kwackerz wrote:
Trumpeteer wrote: So you had a few offs...we all have.

I hit a shopping trolley once. :smt009




I remember that on RS, it overtook you first.... :smt016

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 10:23 pm
by woody
Trumpeteer wrote:I really would like to see you on a bike again Gio. I personally think you were a good rider despite being inexperienced.
The hobby (whatever) needs enthusiastic people like you.




Hear! Hear!




agrees, yer a valued chap Gio........... altho potty, quite , quite potty

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:32 pm
by BikerGran
...kettley.... black......

or something similar woody!