On the trip, you are forced to become a mechanic every now and then. Good only if you already know something about your motorcycle. For me (Andreas), learning the basics of motorcycle maintenance is often a bit of a bumpy ride. "That's difficult - so it's better to let the mechanic you trust do it," I often used to think to myself. Only to realize in the end that you probably wouldn't have forgotten to tighten the bolts yourself. But there's no better time than now - in the midst of our journey - to start looking at your bike. Especially when now is a place in the middle of nowhere next to a road and the only "capable" mechanic within 300 km is yourself. Hardly a day goes by without something to repair, replace or adjust on the bike.
How to learn your skills while traveling? It's simple - as soon as you have adequate WiFi, you try to learn how to rivet a chain or change a tire with the help of YouTube. However, there is usually a problem: mysteriously, the one screw that is not shown is the one that should be opened. So: the man/woman is himself and looks for a solution himself!
The only reaction, mentally, is often this...
...and three hours later all you have achieved:
...and you know it's probably best to ask for help....
...but you think to yourself...
... So you stick to your decision to repair your motorcycle yourself to save costs. ...
... The most important step before starting work: ...
... Once you actually start...
... Spare parts and tools you should have ready yourself or it is no problem to get something! ...
... When you take your motorcycle apart and put everything back together, you often find that you have forgotten to put several small parts back in. But you can not remember for the life of you where they are or where they belong! ...
... So you have to ask for help after all. ...
What was your last motorcycle repair that ended in disaster?
What a great article…I am the “Queen” of GIFs so I greatly appreciate them. Having traveled in a bike - although not quite the same journey as yours - I even learned a thing or two about the bike‘s daily maintenance. I would add that even if you aren’t the main driver, being a knowledgeable passenger helps immensely. Love and miss you guys - best wishes for a continuous (and maintenance free) safe travel!