Finding Joy in Fixing Stuff
Fixing stuff. Taking responsibility to improve something with my hands and limited brain power. I find the process satisfying. Leaving something better than I found it. Here's an example, fixing up my new-to-me and outdated, 2008 Suzuki DL 1000 V Strom.
So, like most of the things I own, my motorcycle has definitely seen some better days. But rather than feeling discouraged, I find a certain satisfaction in being able to roll up my sleeves. I decided to address a practical concern: the constant drain on my phone's battery due to relying heavily on navigation apps. Maps aren't practical for me, to have that useful feature integrated into our phones is heaven sent. However, using it for extended periods quickly drains the phones's battery. That's where my little DIY project came in.
I installed an aftermarket USB charger. It was a straightforward job, nothing too fancy, but it solved a real problem for me. Now, I'll save the nitty-gritty details for another time, but let me tell you, the benefits of doing it myself didn't stop there. By getting up close and personal with my motorcycle, I was able to take a good look at its overall condition.
I could clearly see that this motorcycle has lived a bit of a life. It's not pampered exotica, it's a versatile adventure bike. It's been through different weather conditions, likely spent quite a bit of time outdoors instead of a cosy garage. While nothing is in terrible shape, I've decided to make a maintenance plan for the upcoming winter. The hoses and retaining clips seem a bit worse for wear, and the subframe has developed some surface rust that will require a fresh coat of paint. Alongside that, I'll undertake a thorough service and give the whole machine a good clean (a great way to spot problems). More pressingly the tires, chain, and sprockets—those need immediate attention.
The Michelin Road 5 Trails have seen better days, now featuring low tread and squared-off profiles affecting the bike's handling. I gave the old chain a good clean and lubrication as a temporary fix for its rust issue, but a replacement is required and imminent. I noticed some play in the cush drive, so that's something I'll address at the same time.
But you know what? Despite all the maintenance work and repairs, I've discovered something quite enjoyable along the way—I really like working on my bike. There's a certain focus and peace of mind that comes with it. It's a chance to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and lose myself in something that brings me genuine satisfaction.
So, as I enjoy summer riding with a plan for the winter maintenance in the background I actually look forward to all aspects pretty equally. It's not just about fixing and restoring my motorcycle; it's about the process itself, the act of working on something I love. There's a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to my machine that I find truly rewarding.
If you've been hesitant to tackle maintenance tasks or repairs on your own, I encourage you to give it a shot. A combination of a Haynes Manual, YouTube and a few tools gets you started. Start small, work on an old bike and gradually work your way up. You'll be surprised by the sense of calm and fulfillment that comes with it. Plus, you'll gain a better understanding of your bike and improve your overall riding experience.