Originally Posted by
TimothyH
The skills needed to work on a bike are no different than the skills needed to work on most any other mechanical system.
If the OP doesn't have basic mechanical experience than any opportunity to work on anything would be a benefit. Materials, threads, fasteners, lubricants, torque, etc. - it doesn't have to be bikes.
There is a difference between someone who knows how to follow instructions and an experienced mechanic.
-Tim-
Totally agree. I just posted about this on another subforum. I'm always reluctant to post on the mechanics forum because I'm not a mechanic. I can build a bike from frame up sure and have installed general stuff on my own vehicles such as fuel pumps, water pumps, radiator, gas tanks, alternator etc. My uncle Joe was a mechanic, sure he could rebuild an engine but that's not what made him a mechanic. It's the way they think and can figure out almost anything mechanical.
Still as long as it's not a job, wrenching can be a lot of fun. So just do it OP.