Motorcycle Maintenance Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is the Motorcycle Maintenance Workshop?
Q: I've never heard of anything like it before. Is it unique?
Q: Where is it?
Q: How long has it been going?
Q: When is it open?
Q: Who runs it?
Q: What equipment is available?
Q: But my bike’s filthy…
Q: I've never worked on a bike before. Is there someone there to show me what to do?
Q: Does it matter what sort of bike I've got?
Q: Do I have to join anything or book-up?
Q: What about oil and parts?
Q: What about manuals?
Q:My bike doesn't go, how can I get it to the Workshop?
Q: How about roadside repairs?
Q: Are there any refreshments available at the Workshop?
Q: OK, so how much will all this cost?
Q: Is the Workshop a registered charity?
Q: Are there social events?
Q: This sounds great, how do I find out more?
Q: What is the Motorcycle Maintenance Workshop?
The Workshop is a Do-It-Yourself service, repair and maintenance facility
for motorcyclists.
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Q: I've never heard of anything like it before. Is it unique?
As far as we know, yes. This is one of the problems we have when explaining
The Workshop to the trade, press and potential users.
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Q: Where is it?
It's at
Laindon Community Centre
, Laindon High Road, Basildon, Essex, UK.
Access via Aston Road.
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Q: How long has it been going?
The Workshop started in the summer of 1988, shortly after the Centre
opened, when it was originally known as the Motorcycle Maintenance Project.
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Q: When is it open?
The Workshop is open every Saturday (except
Bank Holiday weekends
) from 11am to
2pm.
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Q: Who runs it?
It is run by Dave and Pauline Emerson. Dave and Pauline are
motorcyclists themselves and give their time on an unpaid basis.
Dave has been riding since ‘72 and has owned and maintained a variety
of machines. He has an engineering background and is a qualified
aircraft technician.
Pauline has been riding since ‘87, and still remembers what it's like to
'not know' how things work.
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Q: What equipment is available?
The Workshop is equipped with general hand tools (spanners, screwdrivers, socket
sets, etc.), and a compressor complete with air tools.
In addition, we have a selection of specialised motorcycle equipment
including hydraulic motorcycle lifts, paddock stands, air suspension
adjusters, carburettor balancers, torque wrenches, impact drivers, stud
extractors, chainsplitters, various rotor extractors, etc.
This list is being added to all the time.
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Q: But my bike’s filthy…
We have a pressure washer so you can clean your bike before you work on
it. Note, this is not stored on the premises so please call to ensure that it
will be available. A small additional charge is payable for its use.
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Q: I've never worked on a bike before. Is there someone there to show me what to do?
Yes. If you lack the knowledge, or just the confidence, to tackle the job
on your own, we are around for guidance and assistance. We also find that
many people using the Workshop are happy to help each other if requested.
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Q: Does it matter what sort of bike I've got?
No. We welcome all machines, any type, size, age and nationality. That goes
for the riders too.
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Q: Do I have to join anything or book-up?
No. The Workshop is available to all motorcyclists and the facilities
are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Whilst there is plenty of
space, some facilities are limited and it is worth arriving early if you want to
use something particular, especially the bike lifts and carburettor balancers.
If you think your job may take more than 3 hours, contact the organisers
in advance and special arrangements may be possible.
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Q: What about oil and parts?
Motorcycle products were provided by Shell UK; 2-stroke engine oil,
gearbox oils, brake fluid, grease and chain spray. These are available at
substantial discount to workshop users. The money raised from the sale of these
products isused for the purchase of additional equipment as required. We do not
stockparts.
We regularly use and recommend Swift Motorcycles, a small local business,
who stock most general service parts for common machines, accessories etc., and
a supply of used parts at reasonable prices. They also provide some services
that we can't, including MOT testing.
We have an arrangement with
M&P Accessories
, which allows us to order parts, at trade discount, for delivery by
the following Saturday.
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Q: What about manuals?
We have some general motorcycle maintenance manuals and data sheets
available. However, we strongly recommend that you obtain a Workshop Manual
specific to your machine. Either the
Haynes
manual, if available, or the manufacturers'. As manufacturers manuals tend to be
expensive, it may be worth contacting your
local library
, who may be able
to provide a copy for you to borrow.
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Q:My bike doesn't go, how can I get it to the Workshop?
If it's too far to push it, we have a 'single-bike' trailer available for
hire. Don't forget to bring a helmet - you should be able to ride home. If you
want to ride your machine and it doesn't have a current MOT you must ring and
tell us you are coming. You will then be covered as long as you are on a
direct route to or from The Workshop, and provided you have valid insurance.
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Q: How about roadside repairs?
With regular servicing, your machine should not need roadside repairs, but there
are no guarantees. The Workshop can still provide a service helpful in these
circumstances.
Due to the support we receive from Teng Tools we can give regular Workshop users
access to very special prices (40% discount) on Teng's quality products (as used
in The Workshop).
With the experience you will have gained by performing your own servicing, these
tools should enable you to resolve most problems and carry out minor
adjustments.
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Q: Are there any refreshments available at the Workshop?
We have tea and coffee available to Workshop users at a nominal charge.
Any profits from these sales go into the 'Tool fund'.
For those that arrive early, there is a ‘bun run’ over to the local bakers
for rolls etc.
There are also vending machines in the main Centre foyer.
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Q: OK, so how much will all this cost?
Users are charged £2 per hour per bike, calculated to the nearest ¼ hour.
Your "working time" includes clearing your working area.
The money is paid to the Association and covers access to the Workshop and
use of the equipment.
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Q: Is the Workshop a registered charity?
Yes, the Workshop is a section of the Laindon Community Association;
registered charity number 301245.
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Q: Are there social events?
Not really. Though many regulars come to The Workshop even when they have
nothing to do
on their own machines. Just to chat and see what they can learn or help others.
Visitors are welcome and will often find themselves ‘assisting’.
The Workshop is a great place to meet friendly people.
We do run a coach to the NEC for the last Sunday of the
International Motorcycle show
.
Q: This sounds great, how do I find out more?
Just come along and see us
any
Saturday. You don't have to wait until something
needs fixing or a service is due. The atmosphere is very informal and the
people that keep coming back are the best 'salesmen' (and women) for The
Workshop.
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Alternatively you can email us.
Last updated: Friday, January 29, 1999.