How did stuff become so difficult?

[bobv7]

First off an apology to anyone who feels targeted by this; honestly not intended!

Having read some of the questions being posted on this forum, have we got to the stage where we overthink just about everything? I read most topics out of interest and occasionally to see if I can offer an opinion or suggestion, but some are so basic and simple that I just think WHAT!!!!!. Are you really asking that! Most of the bikes owned here are so basic and simple to work on that back in the day a spanner in one hand and a Haynes manual in the other would have sorted nearly all problems. I know that sometimes this could end in the most horrendous insults to Japan's finest and a lot of non standard remedies resulted, but unless you had a mate handy with the tools you were on your own. Perhaps it's down to the arrogance of youth that all things were doable with a screwdriver and hammer but come on, age and experience should at least have some influence at this time of life?

Just get stuck in! End of rant.

[SeanFD]

I would venture that back then most of us didn’t know any better.

I certainly didn’t know, for just one example, how critical the run out is on the auto-advance unit when it comes to setting timing.

As is often said, there are no stupid questions; you can opt to remain ignorant, or you can ask!

[Andrew-S]

I would venture that back then most of us didn’t know any better.

I certainly didn’t know, for just one example, how critical the run out is on the auto-advance unit when it comes to setting timing.

As is often said, there are no stupid questions; you can opt to remain ignorant, or you can ask!

Yes, there are no stupid questions, just posts that can intimidate the less technically knowledgeable or capable members from asking questions for fear of ridicule – I’m afraid the above post is a prime example and the sort I never thought I'd see on this forum.  

[Athame57]

Because people can simply do things wrong, if in doubt ask here, expertise and previous experience abounds. Again, the only daft question is the one that never got asked.

[Nurse Julie]

It's very straight forward , if you don't know, you just don't know. This forum is one of the best in the UK for members giving answers and sharing their knowledge with less experienced or knowledgeable owners asking seemingly simple questions. Asking questions is how we learn, it's better to ask than cock something up through inexperience or lack of knowledge or even lack in one's own confidence and abilities.

[Orcade-Ian]

You might think that some of the posts are a bit basic but if you want real stupid, then go on the Classic Mini forum.  There was a half wit on there who had sheared a wheel stud on his apparently self modified Mini but noticed that his mate's Citroen Saxo only had 3 wheel nuts, so was asking if it was OK to use the Mini!

I'm 71 and still find many very useful replies on here - every day's a skool day!!

Ian

[Moorey]

As Julie says if you don't know you don't know. Ask. Whoever is asking the basic of questions may well be a leader in their own field and often shake their head in despair at some of the questions asked of them. Fortunately usually someone comes along with the right answers. Without taking the piss or mocking. 

[bobv7]

I did apologise right at the start if anyone took this personally and there's absolutely nothing wrong with asking for advice. We all have to at some time. But that advice is only valuable if you ask the right questions and if you know how to apply the answers. These bikes are pretty basic to work on and get into a reasonable working condition, maybe not concours but rideable if that's what you want. I fully expected the cries of righteous outrage and disapproval at my suggestion, but I recognised at an early age I would never be a carpenter when the woodwork teacher told me that trees took too long to grow. I took the hint and stepped away from the tools. I did know someone who was shown many times how to set the timing on his bike but in the end it just wouldn't sink in. He wasn't thick, just didn't have the aptitude and was happier letting someone else do it. Sometimes we all have to that admit it would be a better job if someone else did it?

As I said at the start, there seems to be a growing tendency to overthink problems because the actual answer appears to be too obvious. We look for a technological solution when a nail would be the answer. It only gets worse when trying to include 2020 technology into a 1960's design; but that's only my personal opinion. Sorry if you don't like it.

[philward]

I must admit that I am starting to ask questions that I wouldn't have asked pre me joining the forum - I just got on with it! But if I maybe had a knowlegable friend to bounce off pre forum, I maybe would have done exactly what I do when I ask questions on this knowlegable forum - effectively seek assurance

[MrDavo]

Back in the day, when factory workshop manuals were guarded by dealer networks like state secrets, we did the best we could to keep bikes on the road using mainly guesswork and heresay. If you think we're bad, look at some of the questions and answers in old copies of Motorcycle Mechanics.

I would much rather ask first than do a job twice, people do enjoy helping others out if they know how. That said I used to know a lad who thought he could keep a BSA 250 on the road with a little knowledge and a metric toolkit, some people really should just step away from the motorcycle and find someone who knows what they are doing.

[ST1100]

I intended to save that for the fun corner, but....


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[Seabeowner]

I've posted on computer forums and 50% of the time I never understand the answers. Knowledge base has changed in 50 years.

[ka-ja]

It all boils down to each to their own, there will always be those who will need a plumber for a water leak, or an electrician for a blown fuse, and to many others, having a set of tools does not necessarily mean they know how to use them, advice, however asked for or given is always welcome, helps to keep our dreams alive, and no matter how simple, keeps our bikes on the road.

[Spitfire]

I spent my life working in oil refineries where doing the wrong thing could be fatal, so the rule was to always ask if you did not know and no questions were stupid which is something that is now deeply ingrained in me. 

I must admit though these days, I do check and re check things all the time whereas in the olden days I just dived in and got it done, I don't think that I have got wiser with age just more cautious.

Cheers

Dennis

[SumpMagnet]

hang on.....I'm NOT supposed to drink the battery?

OK...so I can stop trying to get those gel-cells to go up the straw then