Most of the information here relates mainly to 2-Valve Ducati's (SS/Monster), the new Husqvarna Thumpers, and KTM's. I occasionally do some work on friends bikes, but often don't do write-ups (unless it stuck out as particularly memorable). Its a bit of a mixed bag, so please forgive any chaos.
Motorcycle maintenance is an extremely fufilling part of owning a motorcycle, often overlooked by those who don't want to be bothered with it. Knowing the 'state' of your motorcycle, in its entirity while humming along your favorite road is known to elicit a state of euphoria in some people. Its a relationship with your motorcycle; If you take the time to look listen and learn, you'll be rewarded with a motorcycle that runs and drives better than you could ever imagine. If neglected your motorcycle may break up with you, and kick you to the curb hundreds of miles away from anything you know.
I started working on my own motorcycles out of pure need. A 300$ service bill was un-affordable, and I lacked a vehicle to transport my motorcycle to the dealership. I started small, changing the oil and filter, cleaning the chain, bleeding the brakes. The more I learned about each system, the more complete the 'big picture' became, and how each system relates to eachother. Service manuals (such as Clymers or Haynes) finally brought everything together in a complete picture. If you can follow the instructions to cook rice, you can follow the instructions in a manual to change your oil.
So with that all said, know that I don't always do things right. And I'm not afraid to admit it. So if you find something that you dont believe to be right, get ahold of me, and tell me why I'm wrong! There is no worse information, than mis-information. I certianly don't wish to spread that. So call me out! I hope you find these tutorials useful.
