back in the day, i worked on my yamaha 250 dirt bike, tune up and stuff like that; on my honda 750F (i think it was an F), tune up, carberator, brakes, muffler, took off wheels although i had others change the tire; worked on my cars, oil changes, brakes jobs, replaced clutches, swapped an engine, differential. whatever.

fast forward
so now with the cars and all the electronic stuff, etc. i don't even do oil anymore

with my ultra i have lifetime maint so its already paid for every 5k tune up

but the sporty is a different situation
time i start wrenching on that bike again
off the bat i need to replace the choke cable and do an oil change

my question is - what should i not do, like what takes a bit more expertise or experience or special tools than you back yard mechanic would have

i have most tools i would need, and don't mind buying new ones if necessary
i also have all the manuals necessary

off the top - i wouldn't be changing tires

and i have never liked rebuilt an engine

let me know your thoughts

 

Buy the OEM Service, Parts and Electrical manuals for your bike, read through it and decide based on your skill set if it is worth doing your own work or not.

 

It's a carbureted OHV V-twin with 4 single lobe gear driven cams and straight pushrods. What can you NOT do in your garage on it?

 

It should be self evident once you read the manual on a particular procedure as to weather or not you're getting in over your head. Other than the bottom end and maybe rebuilding the tranny, most everything else is within the ability of anyone with a reasonable set of tools and an IQ over 100.

Do the wheel bearings next.... it's easy, fun, and you get to and some of http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/lubricants/specialty-lubricants-anti-seize/permatex-anti-seize-lubricant-detail !
Happy Motoring!

 

A year ago I had never even touched any type of engine or vehicle service. When I bought my bike I made a decision to do my own work. I started with a tool set and shop manual. At this point I don't think there is anything that I wouldn't do myself with the exception of items that may take expensive specialty tools like tire removal and replacement. During the off season I've done everything from tearing apart my forks , handlebar change, cams, lifters, exhaust, oil change, etc.

Between the manual, this forum, and YouTube you really should have every need covered.

Have fun!

 

Yeah this one....