Moto Guild Minor Service Workshop

[Dave H]

New rider (~3.5k miles ridden) and the MC bug has bitten hard. Taking my first steps towards doing my own maintenance this weekend and attending a workshop on minor maintenance @ Moto Guild (link).

Anyone attended this previously? Any advice on things I should take with me? Planning to take oil, oil filter, gasket for oil plug and manual. Input appreciated!

 

[RightCoastBias]

I'd reach out to MotoGuild for what you need to bring.

As for their classes, I've always heard positive things and think we're quite lucky to have MotoGuild in the bay.

 

[rmc]

I did the Intro to Maintenance class recently, and have since done almost all the things that the Minor Service class lists on my own at Moto Guild. First off I have to say that it's a great place! I have some mechanical knowledge but little experience, and people are very open to answering any small questions I have, or even helping out if something seems off.

They have brake pads and brake fluid for sale if you need any, so no need to bring your own. I'm not sure if they have coolant, but they have distilled water to top yours off, which will get you by until you can replace it if you need to.

How old is your bike? If you think the spark plugs may need to be changed, I would call them to see if they stock the ones you need, or pick them up on your own.

Check your manual for how often the air filter needs to be replaced. If it is time, you probably want to order one from them or bring your own.

I would also try to find the actual service manual online for your bike. It will cover a lot more than the manual and be much more in-depth, plus it will include important things like torque values. It is likely they have the service manual there, whether a real book or on their computer, but it is good for you to have a digital copy as well.

 

[Dave H]

I'd reach out to MotoGuild for what you need to bring.

As for their classes, I've always heard positive things and think we're quite lucky to have MotoGuild in the bay.

Good point - will do.

I'll write up a short review next week and let everyone know how it goes.

 

[Dave H]

First off I have to say that it's a great place!

Good to hear!

How old is your bike?

Only 6 months old. Manual suggests I'm good for spark plugs and air filters. Thanks for prompting me to check though. Good idea RE service manual.

 

[NoTraffic]

Bring some snacks in case you get hungry afterwards =)

 

[dravnx]

I've never been to Motoguild but as a small business owner, I can tell you that the few dollars extra that you pay by buying your parts from them goes a long way to establishing a good relationship with the owner/staff.

 

[Scandalous]

Been going to MG year round since 2014. Great people. They have literally everything you can or will need (including coolant, distilled water, crush washers, oil filters, oil, any and every tool, plus snacks) except OEM parts, which they can also order. Have fun!

 

[Dave H]

All sounds great! Looking forward to it!

 

[Marcoose]

I'm pretty sure you need to bring sandwiches and beer to share with everybody, including the dog. And don't be cheap!

 

[Schnellbandit]

I've never been to Motoguild but as a small business owner, I can tell you that the few dollars extra that you pay by buying your parts from them goes a long way to establishing a good relationship with the owner/staff.

+1.

 

[two wheel tramp]

New rider (~3.5k miles ridden) and the MC bug has bitten hard. Taking my first steps towards doing my own maintenance this weekend and attending a workshop on minor maintenance @ Moto Guild (link).

Anyone attended this previously? Any advice on things I should take with me? Planning to take oil, oil filter, gasket for oil plug and manual. Input appreciated!

Chances are they'll have most of what you need on hand. It's a great spot. I've taken classes there and benefitted greatly.

 

[DS-63-1]

I've taken a few classes from them and always had great experiences. My last class was just back on 2/10/18 for the tire change class and it was perfect. I was able to do the work myself under the direction of the workshop leader.

Friendly place, it's great to learn how to do repairs and work on my motorcycle myself, but I love having someone there to look over what I'm doing to make sure I am doing it correctly.

 

[Dave H]

Really enjoyed the class on Saturday and learnt a lot. For a "naked" bike, it took me a surprising amount of time / effort to get the body work off my Z650. Having also discovered how difficult it is to remove the spark plugs I'm no longer worried about someone stealing them!

Anyway, as others have said, great facility with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A bit daunting at first just getting on with it but by the end of the class (and riding home) I was comfortable that I knew what I'd done and that my bike was safe.

Without doubt another bonding step completed with my mechanical steed. Now I just need to deal with the usual Monday motorcycle related withdrawal symptoms... when's the weekend?!

 

[rmc]

This weekend was a weird one too, with the electrical issues. It's normally a lot nicer.

I replaced my spark plugs on Sunday, and the thought of someone stealing them is hilarious to me. They're worth like $20, and it would be easier just to take my whole bike.