Topic: Correspondence Courses

[dagersh]

Hey all,

I am thinking of enrolling in a MC repair course offered by Thompson Education Direct.  I had looked into enrolling the big MC repair schools in Daytona, FL and at one I think in Ohio.  In my conversations with their admissions department, they recommended instead I look into TED, as it is more suited to a hobbyist. 

Has anyone had any experience with any of these correspondence courses?  Am I wasting my time? 

Thanks,

Michael G

[heffay]

i did the motorcycle tech correspondence course thru PCDI... following that i attended MMI in phoenix... guess what, PCDI stole the MMI textbook. 

correspondence courses are ok but, there is no hands on.  meaning you learn the theory.  but, only by the book.  basically, it wasn't what i wanted so i went to MMI.

the best way?  start wrenching.

i'd say this website could teach you more than i learned thru my correspondence course.

[Chris Liston]

My cousin took a course like this for motorcycles.  He said he's learned enough to make him an okay repair person but for big jobs (inside motor) he'll still bring to a pro.  Its good for a better understanding.

[dagersh]

the best way?  start wrenching.

I'd say this website could teach you more than i learned thru my correspondence course.

I think you are both right, especially about the confidence and understanding you can get by reading through the posts here.  After reading various articles on front brake rebuilding, I am fairly confident I would be able to do it.  However, the idea of tearing into an engine leaves a rather large pit in the bottom of my stomach!

[Raul CB750K1]

If I were you, I would buy as many technical books as I can afford, like chilton's "motorcycle troubleshooting" manuals, and of course, the "Motorcycles: fundamentals, service and repair". Read them cover to cover, and spend the course money on a cheap bike that you don't mind if you never get back in shape. Use it as a guinea pig, to develop skill and confidence, and rebuild it so many times until you are like Vic World, capable of rebuilding with the eyes closed and without the need of the parts manual. That way you will build up your mechanical skills gradually.


My .02

Raul

[dagersh]

Thanks Raul,

Great idea!

Michael G

[heffay]

the best way?  start wrenching.

I'd say this website could teach you more than i learned thru my correspondence course.

I think you are both right, especially about the confidence and understanding you can get by reading through the posts here.  After reading various articles on front brake rebuilding, I am fairly confident I would be able to do it.  However, the idea of tearing into an engine leaves a rather large pit in the bottom of my stomach!

the idea of tearing into an engine (even after MMI and a correspondence course) leaves a rather large pit in my stomach... but, then again, maybe it's just the idea of my time spent away from riding 

[csendker]

This is one reason I grabbed my little CB175.  It's a SOHC2, a half of a SOHC4; very similar mechanics but a bit more simple.  I figured if I was going to learn on a beater bike, it may as well be similar albeit simpler.  I got both the 175 & 550 service manuals, the 550 parts book, a couple of owner's manuals, all of the exploded diagrams for both and am looking for even more stuff if I can find 'em.  Those books, this site and a good set of wrenches has been more than enough so far.  While I'm not into a motor rebuild just yet, I'm learning fast on the other fun stuff like carbs, front end rebuild, etc. all while I get to keep riding my 550.  Another reason is to have a ridiculously high milage commuter for the back-and-forth to work.  And I really, really want to take the luggage rack off the 550. 

[Sam Green Racing]

the best way?  start wrenching.

i'd say this website could teach you more than i learned thru my correspondence course.

I'll go with heffay on this one and it's cheaper

Sam.

[pmpski_1]

If I were you, I would buy as many technical books as I can afford, like chilton's "motorcycle troubleshooting" manuals, and of course, the "Motorcycles: fundamentals, service and repair". Read them cover to cover, and spend the course money on a cheap bike that you don't mind if you never get back in shape. Use it as a guinea pig, to develop skill and confidence, and rebuild it so many times until you are like Vic World, capable of rebuilding with the eyes closed and without the need of the parts manual. That way you will build up your mechanical skills gradually.


My .02

Raul

What he said.

I got a CB550 engine off ebay for 62.00. I'm going to rebuild that one. If I mess it up, hopefully I'll learn my lesson and won't repeat it when I rebuild the CB550 that I ride everyday. You may not be able to find a 62.00 engine, but you could find some beater somewhere close that someone will pay you to take away. It may not be what you want, but take it apart and put it together and you'll learn soon enough.

[Raul CB750K1]

That's also the reason I bought my CB350 twin for 200 euros. I have to admit that I have spent about 2.500 euros so far, much more than the bike is worth, by I know I will end up with a bike fully rebuilt -up to the bottom end-, and a shedload of spares. Furthermore, disassembling the engine gives you a much better knowledge than any exploded diagram.


This forum and all the knowledgeable and friendly people around is an invaluable help, at least when it comes to old Hondas, but I've discovered that almost all of the japanes bikes of the era were similar in conception and design.

Raul