HELP? in the NY/CT area

[dagus]

Is there anybody (Abe? Marc? Anybody near NYC?) that can help me wrench? I'm desperate.

I need to:

1) install Unis
2) change my chain/sprockets
3) wire my Aztec8 headlights
4) figure out what jetkit the PO put in
5) put on my Sigma800 digi speedo, so I can pass inspection

...and I'm fucking hopeless with this stuff. I can't even change my oil.

Oh yeah...
6) change oil.

Is anybody free next weekend?

I'm trying to avoid having to take the Hawk into a shop - I really want to learn how to do this for myself, but I don't want to screw up my bike in the process so it helps if somebody can show me.

Hey, the more the merrier! Free pizza and beer if you come!

[KDNYC]

Get your service manual out and start with the oil change. Be brave! I'm rooting for you.

Abe came over a few weeks ago to help me replace my gearshift lever. It was easy peasy and I'm gonna try to do most things myself from now on.

[hawkLer]

...Seriously, Doug! I'm with KD on this one. Those are all pretty easy things to do. Even if they aren't easy, none of them will put you in danger if you do it wrong, except for maybe the chain/sprocket thing, but that's easy, too!
I would totally be up for a ride up there to help, but I'll be out of town next weekend. Whether I take the bike or not I haven't decided, but am leaning towards the bus...
Baltimore is just a liiiiiiiiiiiittle too far away from NYC to justify the ride. Especially when it's for a friend's bachelor party...

[tlewis33]

doug,

i feel your pain. i have limited skills, but with a 1 year old baby, i gave up and take the bike to the shop unless it is something like changing the mirrors.

i wish i could help.

what's the reason for the deadline? spring/ summer? that'd make sense to me.

good luck with it all.

[Doc]

Man I wish I was closer. Bring it up to the track and we can have it all done in an Hour.

[dagus]

Man I wish I was closer. Bring it up to the track and we can have it all done in an Hour.

When? I can possibly get a trailer...

The only "deadline" is the nice weather. I'd do the chain myself but don't have the tools...

[Doc]

I will be at the track the 14th-18th of June.

[dagus]

I might be there with whatever's left to do!!! What track, so I can look up directions? Loudon or Pocono? Wonder how many hours the trip will be?

[Doc]

https://www.lrrsracing.com

NHIS in Loudon, NH It would be a good time to go, busiest time of year at the track.

[Goshawk]

You always have the option to call Brother Lenac in Northern, NJ. He's only 10 minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

-P.

[brewsy]

Doug, I would love to help out but I have just now got all the pieces I need to put my bike back together, and thats exactly what I need to be doing.

I agree with Hawler and KD though...
Change your oil yorself
I recall I wrote a how to...

Marc

[SkinnE]

Re: HELP? in the NY/CT area

I really want to learn how to do this for myself, but I don't want to screw up my bike in the process so it helps if somebody can show me.

+1 on try doing stuff yourself. This stuff really is very difficult to do any harm with (except the chain). And most jobs, even the big ones are do-able by most people, given the right tools and information. Really. I know it will feel like a big step, but once you make that first one, it's not so bad.

Go on, jump in there You Can Do It!

Edit: I would advise getting a torque wrench or two (to cover a wide range of torque values) if you don't have one already.

E

[dagus]

I've been pretty good with the light stuff so far... swapping out my brake pedal the first week I had the bike 3 years ago, and hacking off cosmetic bits in a way that doesn't look wrong... putting together my HawkButt Kit for all of you was a real victory. Apparently I may have a hand for fabrication...

I have learned that I suck with anything electrical, so for that stuff I know better than to go it alone (for now). And I've learned that I can't paint for shit (for now - I've been a painter of canvas for years, I just haven't gotten the hang of automotive prep & paint).

Since I don't have the necessary chain tools, I doubt I'll tackle that myself. Fortunately a friend's turned me on to a good local shop recently. The rest... well, time to bite the bullet! I'll be trying to pull the carbs today maybe. Stay tuned.

[dagus]

I recall I wrote a how to...

Looking for that now...