We're well underway in the electrical class now. We're just about finished with all the demo's and practices. So far we've covered charging, starting and ignition systems also security systems, battery testing and we've touched on fuel injection too! The first test was today and I scored a 92 on it. It's not what I wanted but it is what it is and I've just gotta learn from it.
Tomorrow we start our graded lab work. They're being very tight lipped about exactly what we have to do and when but they have told us we have to work on 3 bikes, a Dyna,Softail and a Touring bike. On each of those we have to do a charging, starting and ignition test for a total of 9 tests. We also have to do a test on the security system, battery test and a few other smaller tests.
The best part of the class so far, in my opinion, has been using the Digital Tech 2 system. I tell ya, that thing is cool! More to come as I finish some projects.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
4/21/2010
Almost done with the Engines & Transmissions class. We've got a little bit of electrical stuff today and some fuel injection tomorrow along with the final exam. I'm not too worried about it. Short of a disaster, I'll get an A in this class too. We finished 8 projects yesterday and I got 100's on all of em. The test score count so far...80,100,90. Next week we get DEEEEEEEEEP into electrical in the , shocker here...sit down, in the Electrical class! THIS is the class I've been waiting for.
(recap of the E1, Engines & Transmissions, class so far)
We've taken a Sportster engine down to the case, but not split the case that'll be in the Buell class (they use basically the same engines). We've taken a Twin Cam 88 & 96 ALL the way down, split the cases, pushed out all the bearings and reinstalled them, set the timing on the cams and rebuilt the entire engine and done it about 4 times now. We've taken apart 5 and 6 speed transmissions too.
(recap of the E1, Engines & Transmissions, class so far)
We've taken a Sportster engine down to the case, but not split the case that'll be in the Buell class (they use basically the same engines). We've taken a Twin Cam 88 & 96 ALL the way down, split the cases, pushed out all the bearings and reinstalled them, set the timing on the cams and rebuilt the entire engine and done it about 4 times now. We've taken apart 5 and 6 speed transmissions too.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Webster
Tomorrow I'm heading off to check out a swap meet/motorcycle show called "Webster". It's supposed to be a pretty good sized event. I'm looking forward to it. It should be a nice ride out, approx. 50 miles or so, if nothing else.
Finished with Chasis & Suspensions (Harley)
I finished the chasis & suspension class on Friday. I scored a 96% on the final exam and finished the class out with a 91.6% and I still have 100% attendance in school.
The class consisted of removing and reinstalling swingarms, wheel bearings, lacing and truing wheels, removal and reinstalling springer front ends and adjustment, motorcycle alignment, brake system removal & reinstall and adjustment. There is probably a project that I'm missing. It was a busy class. The hardest project, without a doubt, was lacing and truing wheels.
Next week I start the Engine & Transmissions class. FINALLY I get to start the fun stuff. Next to the electrical class, I think this is the one that I'm most looking forward to.
The class consisted of removing and reinstalling swingarms, wheel bearings, lacing and truing wheels, removal and reinstalling springer front ends and adjustment, motorcycle alignment, brake system removal & reinstall and adjustment. There is probably a project that I'm missing. It was a busy class. The hardest project, without a doubt, was lacing and truing wheels.
Next week I start the Engine & Transmissions class. FINALLY I get to start the fun stuff. Next to the electrical class, I think this is the one that I'm most looking forward to.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Daily Update
Today we covered FL Springer front ends. Basically we take the front end off of a springer, take the bearings out, clean everything up and put it all back and adjust it. We also hit on the removal of the swingarm, removal and reinstalling the bearings of a Softail. We haven't started the lab section where we get our hands on these projects yet, that's not until next Tuesday but we did get to practice a little. It's not that hard. I also got to work on truing the laced wheel again. I hadn't updated about that in the old blog so let me fill you a little on that. Yesterday we had to work on lacing and truing a 40 spoke wheel. That means we had to build a wheel and adjust it so that it doesn't wobble or hop around on the motorcycle. If you've never done this, I'll fill you in........IT'S A PAIN IN THE BUTT!!!!
Today I had much better luck with it even though it took me 45 minutes just to get the wheel apart before I could start to build it again. We don't get our hands on brand new stuff too often around here. That being said, this is a school and this is training equipment we are using so you can imagine that it gets tore up pretty bad sometimes. Especially with a project like building a wheel. Some of the spokes looked like someone had clamped down on them pretty hard which is why it took me forever to get it apart. I started to rebuild it and it was going together great and then I ran out of time. I'll be working on it again tomorrow after our test.
I'm also supposed to tutor someone in Course 4, the electrical class, tomorrow afternoon if the coordinator told him I was going to do it. Oh.....yea. I forgot to mention that I was selected to be a tutor. It's nice to help people figure stuff out, especially with stuff that took me awhile to get myself.
Today I had much better luck with it even though it took me 45 minutes just to get the wheel apart before I could start to build it again. We don't get our hands on brand new stuff too often around here. That being said, this is a school and this is training equipment we are using so you can imagine that it gets tore up pretty bad sometimes. Especially with a project like building a wheel. Some of the spokes looked like someone had clamped down on them pretty hard which is why it took me forever to get it apart. I started to rebuild it and it was going together great and then I ran out of time. I'll be working on it again tomorrow after our test.
I'm also supposed to tutor someone in Course 4, the electrical class, tomorrow afternoon if the coordinator told him I was going to do it. Oh.....yea. I forgot to mention that I was selected to be a tutor. It's nice to help people figure stuff out, especially with stuff that took me awhile to get myself.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Basic Training DONE!
I finished up Course 7B yesterday. It was the course that everyone calls "the computer class". It's where you learn all the dealership computer systems. It really was an easy class. I scored 100% on everything except the final exam where I missed 2 questions. One was a question about "how many steps in the service process" and the other was a question on........I can't remember what it was about. It was a real easy question that I just goofed up on somehow.
I finshed the course with a 99.2% and still rockin 100% attendance.
Next week I start up the Harley section of the program and after that I should be starting the BMW program.
I did get a few more of the tools I need to continue work on the Buell so I should have some more pictures from that at some point here in the next week or so as the engine continues to get tore down.
I finshed the course with a 99.2% and still rockin 100% attendance.
Next week I start up the Harley section of the program and after that I should be starting the BMW program.
I did get a few more of the tools I need to continue work on the Buell so I should have some more pictures from that at some point here in the next week or so as the engine continues to get tore down.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Course 7 DONE!
Well it's been a little while since I've posted but it's been a hectic last month with the holidays and all. Let's see, what's happened since then........
I finished Course 5 with an A. It wasn't an easy course.
I have also completed Course 7. What is Course 7 you ask? It's the final exam course of the basic training section of the school. They test you on everything you have learned to this point and I mean EVERYTHING. I saw some test questions come up that I forgot were in the book and they took me a while to find them in the book to see if they really did teach us that stuff. Along with the written tests, two of them were 50 question tests and the last one was a 100 question test, we had to do about 25 projects ranging from changing brakes to performing various electrical tests and we had to do so without help from the instructor.
So what did I score you ask?
On the first test I scored an 82. The second I scored a 93. The last test a 73. The last test, the 100 question test, was no joke...neither were the other two for that matter. I was really caught off guard by a lot of the questions. According to the instructor a 73 is actually just above the average score. The average score is around 60. The highest score on the final test in our class was 84 or 86.
With regards to the lab score portion of the class, all the projects, I scored about a 98. With a 100 in Attendance and 100 in Professionalism, my final grade in the class ended up being....................(drum roll)............... a 92.56!
My next step is Course 7B. It's the course that everyone calls "the computer course". Basically we'll cover dealership procedure stuff. Paperwork, computer applications, crash estimates......that sort of stuff. It should be cakewalk. If I can run a home theater install office with 12 employees and 7 stores of salesmen and managers, I think I can handle a little computer work.
I finished Course 5 with an A. It wasn't an easy course.
I have also completed Course 7. What is Course 7 you ask? It's the final exam course of the basic training section of the school. They test you on everything you have learned to this point and I mean EVERYTHING. I saw some test questions come up that I forgot were in the book and they took me a while to find them in the book to see if they really did teach us that stuff. Along with the written tests, two of them were 50 question tests and the last one was a 100 question test, we had to do about 25 projects ranging from changing brakes to performing various electrical tests and we had to do so without help from the instructor.
So what did I score you ask?
On the first test I scored an 82. The second I scored a 93. The last test a 73. The last test, the 100 question test, was no joke...neither were the other two for that matter. I was really caught off guard by a lot of the questions. According to the instructor a 73 is actually just above the average score. The average score is around 60. The highest score on the final test in our class was 84 or 86.
With regards to the lab score portion of the class, all the projects, I scored about a 98. With a 100 in Attendance and 100 in Professionalism, my final grade in the class ended up being....................(drum roll)............... a 92.56!
My next step is Course 7B. It's the course that everyone calls "the computer course". Basically we'll cover dealership procedure stuff. Paperwork, computer applications, crash estimates......that sort of stuff. It should be cakewalk. If I can run a home theater install office with 12 employees and 7 stores of salesmen and managers, I think I can handle a little computer work.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Buell Project Update
Well progress is a little slow on it but that's because I'm waiting on some parts to come in before I get into the meat of this whole thing. Once I get rolling, I don't want to have to wait on a gasket.
I've done a few electrical tests on the bike but as it turns out I can't do em all yet. Harley has these special connectors in the electrical system and unless you want to run the risk of damaging something you have to use these special adaptors. Well they're on the way. More money. At least they're aren't special tools for this one particular model and I'll be able to use them on my Dyna too. I'm assuming, that's dangerous I know, that I'll be able to use them on any Harley from 2004 to 2007, at the least, since both the Buell's service manual and the Dyna's call for them to be used.
I'm about to remove the gas tank from the bike tonight and try to test a few more switches. Once the gaskets and such get here I'll really be able to get the ball rolling on this. After that it's just a matter of figuring out what really needs to be replaced and getting the money to buy the parts.
I've also discovered the cost of the tools needed to measure the cylinders and I just don't have an additional $1000 laying around right now so I think that part of the project might get put on hold unless it gets amazingly busy at work for a few weekends.
I think I've got more than enough to keep me busy till I get that far into it. Hopefully by then I'll have found some used tools somewhere cheaper.
I've done a few electrical tests on the bike but as it turns out I can't do em all yet. Harley has these special connectors in the electrical system and unless you want to run the risk of damaging something you have to use these special adaptors. Well they're on the way. More money. At least they're aren't special tools for this one particular model and I'll be able to use them on my Dyna too. I'm assuming, that's dangerous I know, that I'll be able to use them on any Harley from 2004 to 2007, at the least, since both the Buell's service manual and the Dyna's call for them to be used.
I'm about to remove the gas tank from the bike tonight and try to test a few more switches. Once the gaskets and such get here I'll really be able to get the ball rolling on this. After that it's just a matter of figuring out what really needs to be replaced and getting the money to buy the parts.
I've also discovered the cost of the tools needed to measure the cylinders and I just don't have an additional $1000 laying around right now so I think that part of the project might get put on hold unless it gets amazingly busy at work for a few weekends.
I think I've got more than enough to keep me busy till I get that far into it. Hopefully by then I'll have found some used tools somewhere cheaper.
Course 5 (week 3)
Well I got ANOTHER 100 on the test last Friday. I know you're getting tired of hearing that.
We've started our final projects for this class and so far so good. I had to do two tire changes which kicked my ass since I've just never had to change a motorcycle tire before. I did it in Course 2 a few times but that was nine weeks ago. I didn't forget how to do them but if you've never done something like that and don't do it again after you learn how you just don't develop those tricks to getting it done right and quick. I thought I pinched one tube but it turns out that because the rim was bent a little on it the normal air trapped in between the rim and tube was just getting out quicker and creating bubbles in the lube. I ended up redoing it anyway just to be safe so I didn't get hit with lost points. My other project for the day was carburetor identification. We basically have to take one apart and identify all the parts, what they do and how they do it then put back together correctly. It's not hard at all.
Today I think I have to do my 4 stroke engine stuff. I'm not sure exactly since they keep changing the schedule around. I'm not scared.
I still can't wait for January. Two more classes to go then we're done with the basic training program and it's off to Harley!!!!!
We've started our final projects for this class and so far so good. I had to do two tire changes which kicked my ass since I've just never had to change a motorcycle tire before. I did it in Course 2 a few times but that was nine weeks ago. I didn't forget how to do them but if you've never done something like that and don't do it again after you learn how you just don't develop those tricks to getting it done right and quick. I thought I pinched one tube but it turns out that because the rim was bent a little on it the normal air trapped in between the rim and tube was just getting out quicker and creating bubbles in the lube. I ended up redoing it anyway just to be safe so I didn't get hit with lost points. My other project for the day was carburetor identification. We basically have to take one apart and identify all the parts, what they do and how they do it then put back together correctly. It's not hard at all.
Today I think I have to do my 4 stroke engine stuff. I'm not sure exactly since they keep changing the schedule around. I'm not scared.
I still can't wait for January. Two more classes to go then we're done with the basic training program and it's off to Harley!!!!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Silent Bob's Cycle Shack is open for business!
Here's a little taste of what's to come. My first project. A 2004 Buell Blast. I've got all my tools with a few exceptions but not enough to stop the ball from rolling. I plan on completely stripping the bike, measuring it all to check it out and putting it back together with fresh stuff as needed. I'm not going all out customizing it just trying to get it back to original, good working order, tip top shape and maybe a few custom things here and there but I'm not going wild with it. I'll save that for one I'm gonna try to make some money on.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Course 5 (week 2)
Yea I know I just did Course 6. No I didn't fail anything. The school has our group of 60 students broken up into blocks of 2 courses at a time. Half of us go to, for example, Course 5 and half to Course 6. Then we flip.
Course 5 is a maintenence course. Mostly its focused on carbs and not the kind you eat either. We're learning how to sync them, rebuild them, vacuum test them and hook em up to an EGA (Exhaust Gas Analyzer) and adjust them accordingly. They're also throwing a few tire changes, safety inspections and some tune up stuff at us too. The 2 stroke tune up section is kind of a joke to be honest with you though seeing as we haven't touched a 2 stroke motor to date. All our learning on that has been book learning.
I got a 90 on the first test. It wasn't exactly fair that they gave us the test the minute we walked back in the door from Thanksgiving break. Nothing like a total of 30 hours of driving, family headaches and general holiday stuff to get you ready for a test. I'm surprised I only got one question wrong.
I worked the EGA machine yesterday, did 2 safety inspections, did two valve adjustments and some paperwork. It was the first day of labwork. We have 3 more days of practice labs for the stuff gets graded. We sort of got the shaft on this as compared to a lot of other classes in that school was closed 2 days last week and we don't get the chance to make that time up or anything and we still have to finish the same amount of work. It definatly puts the pressure on but right now we don't need pressure. We need to be able to learn how to do the work RIGHT, then get our speed up. So far I've gotten everything pretty good but I feel so rushed and the information isn't sinking in like it does when I can take my time and soak it all up. Which brings me to my next point........
THE PROJECT! I should have just about all my equipment by the end of the week so this weekend will bring pictures of the bike as it sits right now before I do ANYTHING to it aside from having the battery on a trickle charger for the last 2 weeks. It should be good and charged up and ready to get going on these electrical systems tests. I think I'll be succesful in my goal to become a full on recluse once this gets started. The only way you'll see me is at the parts store or if you happen to drive by the garage and say hi.
Course 5 is a maintenence course. Mostly its focused on carbs and not the kind you eat either. We're learning how to sync them, rebuild them, vacuum test them and hook em up to an EGA (Exhaust Gas Analyzer) and adjust them accordingly. They're also throwing a few tire changes, safety inspections and some tune up stuff at us too. The 2 stroke tune up section is kind of a joke to be honest with you though seeing as we haven't touched a 2 stroke motor to date. All our learning on that has been book learning.
I got a 90 on the first test. It wasn't exactly fair that they gave us the test the minute we walked back in the door from Thanksgiving break. Nothing like a total of 30 hours of driving, family headaches and general holiday stuff to get you ready for a test. I'm surprised I only got one question wrong.
I worked the EGA machine yesterday, did 2 safety inspections, did two valve adjustments and some paperwork. It was the first day of labwork. We have 3 more days of practice labs for the stuff gets graded. We sort of got the shaft on this as compared to a lot of other classes in that school was closed 2 days last week and we don't get the chance to make that time up or anything and we still have to finish the same amount of work. It definatly puts the pressure on but right now we don't need pressure. We need to be able to learn how to do the work RIGHT, then get our speed up. So far I've gotten everything pretty good but I feel so rushed and the information isn't sinking in like it does when I can take my time and soak it all up. Which brings me to my next point........
THE PROJECT! I should have just about all my equipment by the end of the week so this weekend will bring pictures of the bike as it sits right now before I do ANYTHING to it aside from having the battery on a trickle charger for the last 2 weeks. It should be good and charged up and ready to get going on these electrical systems tests. I think I'll be succesful in my goal to become a full on recluse once this gets started. The only way you'll see me is at the parts store or if you happen to drive by the garage and say hi.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Course 6 DONE!
We finished up tonight and I'm happy to report you're reading the blog of the "Student of the Course"! I finished out with a 99.10 grade. I didn't get it by much though. The guy right below me had a 98.98 grade. Yea, you read it right. I got it by only .12 and needless to say he was NOT happy about it. Evidently he gets it quite often and was not happy about the new guy getting it. I personally couldn't care less if I get it or not. I'm not in the school to get top student awards. I'm there to get the best education that I can get and if I should happen to get the highest score then its a nice added bonus but I don't feel that I'm better than anyone else in there. I just got the better score that particular day.
On the final exam I scored a 96. I missed one question and I'm still kicking myself for getting it wrong. It was such a stupid mistake on a question about flat rate billing percentages that I'm not even going to dwell on it. I got a 100 on every single project we worked on and on a few of them I just barely got it.
While I don't feel I'm an expert by any means I do feel I have enough of a grasp of the basics to tear my own project motor apart and rebuild it. I plan on doing so as soon as I get back from Thanksgiving break. I've already started getting my information together from the service manual and getting my parts list squared away so I can order the stuff that I'm sure I'll need. I know there's gonna be stuff that I won't know about till I tear into it but it's to be expected.
The next class on the path is Course 5. Yes I know I just finished Course 6 but they schedule us out in blocks of two courses. Half the group goes to one and half the group goes to the other and then we switch. Course 5, I'm told, is maintenance work. I'm looking forward to this class. Probably more so than any other so far. It's the class that will realistically teach me the skills I need to save myself the most money on labor for my own bike.
Until the next update sometime next week.......peace!
On the final exam I scored a 96. I missed one question and I'm still kicking myself for getting it wrong. It was such a stupid mistake on a question about flat rate billing percentages that I'm not even going to dwell on it. I got a 100 on every single project we worked on and on a few of them I just barely got it.
While I don't feel I'm an expert by any means I do feel I have enough of a grasp of the basics to tear my own project motor apart and rebuild it. I plan on doing so as soon as I get back from Thanksgiving break. I've already started getting my information together from the service manual and getting my parts list squared away so I can order the stuff that I'm sure I'll need. I know there's gonna be stuff that I won't know about till I tear into it but it's to be expected.
The next class on the path is Course 5. Yes I know I just finished Course 6 but they schedule us out in blocks of two courses. Half the group goes to one and half the group goes to the other and then we switch. Course 5, I'm told, is maintenance work. I'm looking forward to this class. Probably more so than any other so far. It's the class that will realistically teach me the skills I need to save myself the most money on labor for my own bike.
Until the next update sometime next week.......peace!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Course 6 (week 2)
It's been a busy last few weeks for me, which would explain the lack of updates.
Course 6 has been fun so far. The course is all about engine diagnostics. We've had two tests and I've scored a 90 and a 100. We were given a rack with boards on it and on these boards were damaged engine parts. We had to figure out what the parts were, I say were because in a few cases there wasn't much left of the parts, then we had to figure out the damage to said part and what caused that damage. I've also taken apart an entire Evo motor top end and put it back together and started to completely take apart an entire Honda motor, and I mean ALL of it, and rebuild it. We have to then take this motor and put it in a frame, start it and not have it leak, smoke or blow up. Sounds easy enough doesn't it? Try it sometime if you haven't done it before. Next week I'll have the motor in the frame myself and hopefully it'll run without problem. I would have had it done already but I did all my other projects first so I wouldn't have to worry about rushing through this one. We'll also have to take two motorcycles that they have put together with broken parts and diagnose the problems based off noise.
Now for the reason behind the lack of updates.
I've decided that it's time to start a project of my own. I found a guy selling a Buell Blast and figured it'd be a good cheap practice bike to work on. If I don't put any of this stuff I'm learning to use it'll all dissapear quicker than money from a bank account. I'll be posting pictures from every step of the project. I've got a service manual for it coming and I'll start posting more about this, with the "before" pictures when it gets here.
Course 6 has been fun so far. The course is all about engine diagnostics. We've had two tests and I've scored a 90 and a 100. We were given a rack with boards on it and on these boards were damaged engine parts. We had to figure out what the parts were, I say were because in a few cases there wasn't much left of the parts, then we had to figure out the damage to said part and what caused that damage. I've also taken apart an entire Evo motor top end and put it back together and started to completely take apart an entire Honda motor, and I mean ALL of it, and rebuild it. We have to then take this motor and put it in a frame, start it and not have it leak, smoke or blow up. Sounds easy enough doesn't it? Try it sometime if you haven't done it before. Next week I'll have the motor in the frame myself and hopefully it'll run without problem. I would have had it done already but I did all my other projects first so I wouldn't have to worry about rushing through this one. We'll also have to take two motorcycles that they have put together with broken parts and diagnose the problems based off noise.
Now for the reason behind the lack of updates.
I've decided that it's time to start a project of my own. I found a guy selling a Buell Blast and figured it'd be a good cheap practice bike to work on. If I don't put any of this stuff I'm learning to use it'll all dissapear quicker than money from a bank account. I'll be posting pictures from every step of the project. I've got a service manual for it coming and I'll start posting more about this, with the "before" pictures when it gets here.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Course 4 - DONE!
We ended Course 4 tonight and it was a long night.
I'll start with the final exam since that's my low point of the course. It was 50 questions which was the biggest test we've had to date and we've covered more in depth material than any other course to date. Let me tell you they pulled stuff out of places I didn't think were in the book. I scored an 84 on the test and just about every question I got wrong, except one, was from subject matter we never put to use. There's no way we could do a project on every type of setup out there and it seems, so far, that if I'm not getting some hands on time with a topic then it's not really getting into my memory. I know right where to find the answer but unfortunatly you don't have that option during an exam.
For all my projects, the scores on the books are 100's across the board. My first two exams were both a 100 and piled up with my perfect attendance and other minor stuff they grade I've managed to pull a 98.7 GPA for this course.
The next course I'm going to will be Course 6. We do them in blocks of 2, Course 2 & 3 for example, and half of the original 60 go to one and the other half go to the other. Course 6 is supposed to be where we have to build a motor completely, fill it up with oil and gas, crank it up and it's gotta run and run right. It's go time!
Well, I'm off for now. The fun is coming quick so get ready for some updates next week.
I'll start with the final exam since that's my low point of the course. It was 50 questions which was the biggest test we've had to date and we've covered more in depth material than any other course to date. Let me tell you they pulled stuff out of places I didn't think were in the book. I scored an 84 on the test and just about every question I got wrong, except one, was from subject matter we never put to use. There's no way we could do a project on every type of setup out there and it seems, so far, that if I'm not getting some hands on time with a topic then it's not really getting into my memory. I know right where to find the answer but unfortunatly you don't have that option during an exam.
For all my projects, the scores on the books are 100's across the board. My first two exams were both a 100 and piled up with my perfect attendance and other minor stuff they grade I've managed to pull a 98.7 GPA for this course.
The next course I'm going to will be Course 6. We do them in blocks of 2, Course 2 & 3 for example, and half of the original 60 go to one and the other half go to the other. Course 6 is supposed to be where we have to build a motor completely, fill it up with oil and gas, crank it up and it's gotta run and run right. It's go time!
Well, I'm off for now. The fun is coming quick so get ready for some updates next week.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Course 4 - Week 3 (part 2)
Tonight was the second test for the electrical class. I got myself another 100 in the books. We had a little last minute cram session right before class and it's a good thing I jumped in because a few of the points we hit on I think I would have missed on the test. It's quite a bit of information to try and remember and I'm really scared of the final. I don't think I'll be able to remember it all and as much as I'd like to get a 100 on that too, if I don't, I won't start ripping my hair out. It's definatly preferable to remember the information but its more important to know where to get the information when you need it and then put it to use.
Other than the exam we worked on making a final block diagram of an ignition system. It's a little tricky because it's different from any other type of bike we've worked on in our practices and final labs.
We're having a slight revolution in our class. Evidently quite a few of the people aren't exactly happy with the way the instructor is teaching. They aren't quite grasping the material and are really struggling with it. From what I gather they seem to think it's the way he's teaching it. The guy we have is sort of a substitute since our original instructor got sick and then a few days later started his vacation. He, our current instructor, normally teaches the advanced electronics class and I think the problem they're running into is that he's used to teaching students that already have the fundamentals down and we don't. I've noticed he likes to respond to a question with a question. It can be frustrating at that exact point in time but it does make you think. The only problem I see with that method though is that you have to understand the base material to be able to figure out your own problem, if that makes sense, and a lot of these guys don't.
I'm trying not to lose my cool with him but I have a few times and I've told him that I'm sorry for doing but that I was just frustrated and I've also told him that I realize that it's easier having the answers handed to you but it's more rewarding to figure it out.
Other than the exam we worked on making a final block diagram of an ignition system. It's a little tricky because it's different from any other type of bike we've worked on in our practices and final labs.
We're having a slight revolution in our class. Evidently quite a few of the people aren't exactly happy with the way the instructor is teaching. They aren't quite grasping the material and are really struggling with it. From what I gather they seem to think it's the way he's teaching it. The guy we have is sort of a substitute since our original instructor got sick and then a few days later started his vacation. He, our current instructor, normally teaches the advanced electronics class and I think the problem they're running into is that he's used to teaching students that already have the fundamentals down and we don't. I've noticed he likes to respond to a question with a question. It can be frustrating at that exact point in time but it does make you think. The only problem I see with that method though is that you have to understand the base material to be able to figure out your own problem, if that makes sense, and a lot of these guys don't.
I'm trying not to lose my cool with him but I have a few times and I've told him that I'm sorry for doing but that I was just frustrated and I've also told him that I realize that it's easier having the answers handed to you but it's more rewarding to figure it out.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Course 4 - Week 3
Here we go. The final push in the electronics class. We've covered charging, ignition and starting systems now and we've had all our demonstrations. This week we have to knock out all the rest of the lab practice projects, the final projects, one more quiz and the final exam. It's gonna be a busy week for some of the people in there. Not so much for me.
I've finished all the practices for the charging, starting and 2 of the practices for the charging systems. I've also finished the final projects for the ignition and starting systems. I forgot to mention that we have to do the charging, starting and ignition project on a Kawasaki, Suzuki and a Honda for a total of 9 practices and 9 finals. So far I've gotten 100's on all my projects and a 100 on the one test we've had. I'm doing good so far but the last test and the final are the real ball breakers. That being said I'm not counting my chickens on this class yet. I've got some serious studying to do for this one. During the projects I can look through my book but not during the test.
I'll give everyone an update Wednesday night after our last quiz and again Friday night after the final exam.
I've finished all the practices for the charging, starting and 2 of the practices for the charging systems. I've also finished the final projects for the ignition and starting systems. I forgot to mention that we have to do the charging, starting and ignition project on a Kawasaki, Suzuki and a Honda for a total of 9 practices and 9 finals. So far I've gotten 100's on all my projects and a 100 on the one test we've had. I'm doing good so far but the last test and the final are the real ball breakers. That being said I'm not counting my chickens on this class yet. I've got some serious studying to do for this one. During the projects I can look through my book but not during the test.
I'll give everyone an update Wednesday night after our last quiz and again Friday night after the final exam.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Course 4 - Week 2
We had our first test of the course tonight. I got a 100 on it. According to the instructor this was the "free pass" test. It was only 10 questions and it was real easy. The next test is going to be 25 questions then the final is 50 questions and its a real ball breaker. Everyone says you really have to study for it.
I've finished all my practice projects that we can do and I've started into my primary final projects. I finished two of them tonight and got 100 on both of them. The lab projects aren't really the hard part of this course. The book learning is the hard part. At least for me anyway.
I'll be updating again Friday night.
I've finished all my practice projects that we can do and I've started into my primary final projects. I finished two of them tonight and got 100 on both of them. The lab projects aren't really the hard part of this course. The book learning is the hard part. At least for me anyway.
I'll be updating again Friday night.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
No Biketoberfest for me!
I was hoping to be able to get some new pictures to post on here but I can't get off work to go. The weather is supposed to be great this weekend too but one of the things you just gotta do, to do what you want to do, is to do what you don't want to do. As much as I want to hit up Daytona and party, I want to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas also head out to Cincinatti in February for the V-Twin Expo even more. I've gotta pick my battles and unfortunatly Daytona isn't high enough up on that list. I'm definatly planning on going next year right after graduation.
Course 4- Week 1
We're pretty well into the Electrical course and we've covered the basics from the Theory class and started to get into more detail. We hit on the starter systems, had a demo and started testing the starter systems on a Honda, Kawasaki and a Suzuki. We aren't given a Harley to test. Why I'm not sure. We get a different answer every time we ask so I've given up asking. Part of the testing of these systems has been drawing out a block diagram from the schematics. Reading the schematics isn't really hard. The hard part is knowing exactly what the instructors want us to pull from the schematics for the diagrams.
I have to admit that I'm having fun with this part of it. It's challenging looking at the schematic and finding that wire on the bike. It's nice when you get it right quick.
Next week we're supposed to hit on the charging systems and the ignition systems so I'll be ready to cause some real damage soon enough.
I have to admit that I'm having fun with this part of it. It's challenging looking at the schematic and finding that wire on the bike. It's nice when you get it right quick.
Next week we're supposed to hit on the charging systems and the ignition systems so I'll be ready to cause some real damage soon enough.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Why am I here.......
I had someone ask me, "Why are you going to motorcycle school?". Then I starting thinking to myself, why am I here?
Why am I here............
Have you ever asked yourself that and honestly gave it thought? Really, truly thought about it?
I think I'm here for a few reasons. I like motorcycles. I like riding them, I like being around them and I like the feeling I get when I sit on one. What does that mean exactly? What does that mean to me? I hate to sound cliche but when I sit on a bike I feel free. Not the type of free that you find in an advertisement in a magazine. I get this feeling that I can be better than I am. That I can free myself of the troubles of my mind. Maybe that's what the ads are selling.
I'm also here to prove something. I could say that I'm here to prove something to my mother or my friends or just about anyone but I'd be lying. I'm here to prove something to myself. I've screwed up just about every good opportunity I've had and I need to, no, I want to finally finish what I start.
I've got a lot of work to shake all those bad habits and lose some of the attitude I've developed. Why do I need to challenge and fight everything? I don't know. I do know that, for some reason, I need to though. Maybe the thing or person I really fight and challenge is myself. I'm my own biggest critic and I bash myself the hardest. I suppose that can be good when I use it push myself to improve. What have I been trying to improve though? What are we all trying to improve?
The people I've respected most have been people who could fix or build things. For years it seemed all I ever heard was "you don't have the mechanical ability" and I think it's the reason I gave up on my pursuit of auto mechanics after high school. My favorite times growing up were when I got take something apart or build something. I know I'm good at it and the person or thing I will fight from now on is the one who stands in my way. I've finally found something I enjoy and makes me happy. I feel sorry for the one who gets in my way now. I include myself in that. I will not give up this time. I will not settle for anything less than what I want.
Why am I here............
Have you ever asked yourself that and honestly gave it thought? Really, truly thought about it?
I think I'm here for a few reasons. I like motorcycles. I like riding them, I like being around them and I like the feeling I get when I sit on one. What does that mean exactly? What does that mean to me? I hate to sound cliche but when I sit on a bike I feel free. Not the type of free that you find in an advertisement in a magazine. I get this feeling that I can be better than I am. That I can free myself of the troubles of my mind. Maybe that's what the ads are selling.
I'm also here to prove something. I could say that I'm here to prove something to my mother or my friends or just about anyone but I'd be lying. I'm here to prove something to myself. I've screwed up just about every good opportunity I've had and I need to, no, I want to finally finish what I start.
I've got a lot of work to shake all those bad habits and lose some of the attitude I've developed. Why do I need to challenge and fight everything? I don't know. I do know that, for some reason, I need to though. Maybe the thing or person I really fight and challenge is myself. I'm my own biggest critic and I bash myself the hardest. I suppose that can be good when I use it push myself to improve. What have I been trying to improve though? What are we all trying to improve?
The people I've respected most have been people who could fix or build things. For years it seemed all I ever heard was "you don't have the mechanical ability" and I think it's the reason I gave up on my pursuit of auto mechanics after high school. My favorite times growing up were when I got take something apart or build something. I know I'm good at it and the person or thing I will fight from now on is the one who stands in my way. I've finally found something I enjoy and makes me happy. I feel sorry for the one who gets in my way now. I include myself in that. I will not give up this time. I will not settle for anything less than what I want.
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