Motorcycle Maintenance Classes
 Finally
available in Puget Sound
It’s a common question I hear often – "Do any of the
dealers offer motorcycle maintenance classes for their customers?" The answer is
no.
But Bret Tkacs (tacks) and the people at Puget Sound
Safety have begun to offer motorcycle maintenance classes designed to provide
riders with the simple skills to change oil, understand tire pressure and other
low basic service needs.
"Many riders don’t even know where the tool kit is on
their bike let alone what to do with it" says Tkacs from his Parkland home near
Ft. Lewis. Getting riders over the hump about doing basic tasks is what Tkacs’s
classes are all about.
There are two classes available. A Level 1 class instructs
students on things like how to adjust the brakes and clutch, lubricate the drive
chain properly, service the battery, check fluid levels, change oil, adjust
suspension, and learn about motorcycle tires (air pressure, sizing, &
construction).
The Level 2 class goes beyond by delving into hydraulic
brake and clutch fluid changes, cable lubrication, chain and sprocket
replacement, wheel alignment, basic understanding of the electrical system and
carburetor adjusts and cleaning.
The classes are open to riders of all ages and owners of
all makes and models.
Taking these classes in no way makes anyone a certified
technician, but it does give a rider a better understanding of their motorcycle
and gets them feeling comfortable with wrenching the bike. These skills can be
useful at home or should something go south on the bike while on the road.
Larger jobs such as scheduled major maintenances, motor
overhaul and transmission trouble are better left to a certified technician,
rather than attempting these tasks at home on your own.
During the Level 1 class students are provided with a
book, encouraged to bring in their owners manual and shop manual if they can get
one along with their bike. Since all bikes are not created equal, each lesson is
explained and then each student reviews the process of the task on their own
bike during the class.
Each class is one day and limited to 6-12 persons. The
classes are priced at a cost equivalent to about 1 hour of shop labor time.
For more information contact Puget Sound Safety by phone
at (253) 531-4585, or visit their website at
www.pugetsoundsafety.com.
Puget Sound Safety also provides state approved motorcycle training courses
including the Beginning Rider Course and Experienced Rider courses. |
