Night School Motorbike Maintenance

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Note : There will be no night classes until 2024, please keep an eye on our website for more details

 

Motorbike maintenance classes run from September until December and from January until April, for all those interested.

 The classes are run in conjunction with CDETB.The large workshop is bright and well equipped with tools, work benches, manuals, DVD’s etc. Complete motorcycles and a number of engines and components are also available for working on.
 

Course Times:
•    Courses run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.
 
Duration:
•    The duration of each module is 10 weeks.
 
Payment:
•    €100 for each module.


Payment can be made on-line only

 

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Contact:
•    Email Denis at denisdelany@ymail.com or phone 087 2806998 for more details. 
 
Larkin Community College offer 3 different courses for those interested in motorcycle technology. These courses have proven very popular in the last few years. The large workshop is bright and well equipped with tools, work benches, manuals, DVD’s and tons of engines and components. 

Module 1 - Motorcycle technology basics.  Tuesdays 7pm til 9pm.

1. Introduction to workshop layout. Safety and hazards outlined. Tools and workshop equipment operation explained. 

2.  2 stroke cycle explained with the aid of diagrams and screen projection. Engine unit partially dismantled to expose key components. Engine reassembled.

3.  4 stroke cycle explained with the aid of diagrams and screen projection. Engine unit partially dismantled to expose key components. Engine reassembled.

4.  Maintenance work discussed. Safety inspection done on motorcycle in class followed by routine service including oil and filter change. 

5.  Fuel systems, lubrication, cooling. Components, sensors and properties of fluids needed.
6.  Brakes. Drum and disc. Cable, rod and hydraulic operation. Servicing, stripping and cleaning.

7.  Wheels, tyres and tubes. Wheel hubs, spokes and rims. Wheel bearings check and replace.

8.  Electrics. Battery, alternator and charging systems explained. Ignition systems explained and troubleshooting tips and tools demonstrated.

9.  Suspension. Front telescopic forks servicing. Rear swinging arm and shock absorbers servicing.

10.  Question and answer session. Review any items requested.

 

Module 2 - Motorcycle Technology Advanced.  Wednesdays 7pm til 9pm.

1.  Introduction to workshop layout. Safety and hazards outlined. Tools and workshop equipment operation explained. Recommendations for fitting out DIY home workshop.

2.  2 stroke cycle explained with the aid of diagrams and screen projection. Various engine layouts described. Tuning and porting methods shown. Expansion chamber and variable exhaust port designs explained. Engine dismantled, components measured and class required to reassemble similar units. (time permitting)

3.  4 stroke cycle explained with the aid of diagrams and screen projection. Various engine layouts described. Various valve train designs and valve arrangements explained. Top end strip down of typical 4 stroke engine. Class required to remove and re install valves, re time valves on SOHC air cooled engine. (time permitting)

4.  Multi cylinder engine with Shim and Bucket valve adjustment requirement, described. Tools needed and methods of maintenance explained. Work carried out on engine in class. Where possible compression test carried out before and after work.

5.  Engine strip down. Single cylinder, twin cylinder or multi cylinder 4 stroke engine dismantled on bench. Clutch and transmission exposed and explained. Crankcase casting and oil ways explained. Oil delivery systems to plain and roller bearings compared.

6.  Clutch and transmission systems explained. Wet and dry, single plate and multi plate clutch. Various actuation mechanisms compared. Automatic, semi automatic and manual transmission discussed with examples on work bench.

7.  Fuelling systems discussed including fuel storage, pumping, filtering and regulating pressure feed to carburettors and injectors. Carburettors explained and dismantled. Common problems discussed and fuel injection principles explained. Exhaust systems for 4 stroke engines compared.

8.  Electrical systems explained. Electrical charging, rectifying, regulating and storage devices discussed. Fail safe components identified. Horns, relays, pumps, thermal switches and sensors demystified. Points type ignition, electronic pickups, and modern ignition units. Problems that arise and means of preventing  some problems.

9.  Braking systems dismantled and components cleaned, examined and explained. Class required to re assemble and fill system with new brake fluid.  Drum brakes and cable or rod operation serviced and limiting factors explained.

10.  Questions and Answers. Review topics and repeat anything of interest.

Module 3 - Motorcycle Technology Project. Thursdays 7pm til 9pm.

1              Examine and assess the project motorcycle.
2              Source information on availability of parts and cost repairs.
3              Teams will dismantle selected components and overhaul.
4              As above.
5              Class will discuss each teams progress and asses work.
6              Reassembly of project motorcycle.
7              Electrics assessed.
8              Cosmetic repairs.
9              Service and start completed machine.
10           Q&A.

 

While every effort is made to cover ALL the subjects in the time allowed, this does not always happen. Some areas of each module take longer than others. Suggestions for alternative topics of discussion are welcome.

Members of the class can work on components of their own with prior arrangement.

The workshop must be left tidy each evening in suitable condition for the next class attending.

No formal qualification can be issued by Larkin Community College for any of these modules. However a certificate of completion can be given on request.