Wrenching 101. Where did you learn?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 33
From: Upstate NY
I started with an old lawnmower and then a snowblower. I then moved on to go carts, dirt bikes, and enduro bikes. Later I had to keep my cars going. So flying by the seat of my pants and help from friends got me going. I have not torn down my engine on my current ride. Just minor wrenching so far.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 4
From: Sachse, TX
I used to pay professionals to do pretty much everything until I got married and started a family. Money was always tight so I had to start learning to do things myself. Over the years I've asked questions at various hardware stores, auto parts stores, bike shops, etc. Somewhere along the way I discovered google, tech forums, and you tube. That led to shop manuals and so forth. As far as the bike goes my #1 resource has been the guys over at shovelhead.us. Those guys are pretty freaking awesome!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
My dad fixed everything himself. So did my grandpa. Dad always helped me when I was young or got stuck but he pretty much taught me not to be afraid to tackle anything. When I was little I used to build bicycles out of spare parts and had bought and sold cars before I was old enough to drive.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
First engine I ever took apart was a 283 in a '67 Impala. No manual, no torque wrenches, just kept track of what parts go where and put in new bearings, rings, and gaskets. Did get a ridge reamer, pistons wouldn't push out the top without one. Oh yeah, bought a valve compressor; lapped them by hand. Back together, wouldn't fire and squealed something awful. Asked my one and only question to a real mechanic then; said I'd flooded it and washed the oil off the cylinders, just pour a quart of oil down the carb while cranking it. That worked just fine, fired right up. Knowing what I do now, I realize I was one lucky youngster that car ever ran again. Done a variety of motors since, never had another squeal. Smoked a bit... 
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 5
From: D.C suburbs
I used fuel moto 107 videos and a DIY manual from the forums. I only did the top end but it was enough for me. My two helpers don't have bikes and don't even change their own oil in their cars. It was fairly easy, you hit some walls but search the net, and run to the hardware store for tools and u get passed them. My Indy and tuner gave praise on how strong it runs. I recommend tearing into it for a confidence booster! Research before u work so u have the right tools
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 14
From: Fla
When I became old enough to move my fingers well enough...
I tore everything apart. First thing I can remember off hand, was my dad's hand drill. Wasn't broke, but I wanted to see how it worked. Got my *** beat for taking apart everything I could get my hands on after that. When something broke around the house, I wanted to try and fix it. I was always told "You can't do that!". They still don't believe I can, but I learned how little that matters now...
I tore everything apart. First thing I can remember off hand, was my dad's hand drill. Wasn't broke, but I wanted to see how it worked. Got my *** beat for taking apart everything I could get my hands on after that. When something broke around the house, I wanted to try and fix it. I was always told "You can't do that!". They still don't believe I can, but I learned how little that matters now...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
On the farm...growing up...from dad and other farmers. During harvest or spring planting, if something broke - progress stopped. It was do or die getting things fixed so you could keep things moving along. Then came HS shop (metal and small engines)...fun stuff! Overall, got a well-rounded education on all mechanical and repair forms. Doesn't hurt to have an older brother who's a certified auto and diesel mech to query too...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 5,092
Likes: 2
From: Wenatchee, WA
.................. immediate family, extended family and family by marriage were/are all wrenches.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
My first wrenching experience wasn't good. I was 6, my older brother was going to let me help "fix" the metal body pedal car.... we needed to "jack it up" (as opposed to flipping it over on the lawn to put the cotter pin back in) so he tells me to go get a brick from the backyard. Excited because my brother is going to let me help, I go get the brick, run back down the driveway, trip and split my head open on the brick literally scarring me for life! Good times!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 460
Likes: 20
From: Manitoba, Canada
OUCH!
I don't remember my first experience but as my Dad told the story:
When I was about 4 years old, I escaped from the yard and made my way a mile across the field to the service station where my Dad worked. Of course he called home to let mom know where I was but since it was late afternoon I was to stay at the shop with my Dad until quitting time. To keep me out of mischief (and away from danger), he gave me an old carburetor and a handful of small tools, parked me at a little table, and told me to take the carburetor apart.
That didn't take too long and I took my Dad the box with the disassembled carb. He looked it over to make sure it was completely apart then gave it back to me and said "Now put it back together." thinking that would keep me out of mischief until quitting time. It didn't! I was back a short time later with the reassembled carburetor.
The mechanics didn't believe this little girl could put it together right so they all took it apart and found out all the pieces were in the right places!
I have no memory of that incident but I guess there was some "natural talent" for things mechanical LOL!
I don't remember my first experience but as my Dad told the story:
When I was about 4 years old, I escaped from the yard and made my way a mile across the field to the service station where my Dad worked. Of course he called home to let mom know where I was but since it was late afternoon I was to stay at the shop with my Dad until quitting time. To keep me out of mischief (and away from danger), he gave me an old carburetor and a handful of small tools, parked me at a little table, and told me to take the carburetor apart.
That didn't take too long and I took my Dad the box with the disassembled carb. He looked it over to make sure it was completely apart then gave it back to me and said "Now put it back together." thinking that would keep me out of mischief until quitting time. It didn't! I was back a short time later with the reassembled carburetor.
The mechanics didn't believe this little girl could put it together right so they all took it apart and found out all the pieces were in the right places!
I have no memory of that incident but I guess there was some "natural talent" for things mechanical LOL!
