Welcome to the Garage: Share Your Wrenching Mistakes & Lessons
Pinned by Shades | Category: Wrench to Ride, Ride to Wrench

Welcome to the official wrenching zone of BikerHound.com — where we turn our own bolts, make our own mistakes, and learn from every mile and every mess-up.

This section is called "Wrench to Ride, Ride to Wrench" for a reason. Around here, we respect the work that happens in the garage just as much as what happens out on the road. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or just now learning what a torque spec is — you've got a place here.

To kick things off, I'm sharing a post I call:

Shop Smarter: 5 Wrenching Mistakes I Made (That You Can Avoid)

If you've spent real time working on your bike, you've probably had a few "what the hell was I thinking?" moments. Here are a few of mine:

1. Snapped a Valve Cover Bolt 
Didn't use a torque wrench. Thought I could "feel" it. Aluminum doesn't forgive.

2. Wrong Aftermarket Brake Lever 
Fit the perch but didn't engage the master cylinder properly. Nearly caused a no-brake situation.

3. Left a Pinch Bolt Loose 
After a chain adjustment. Didn't torque it down. Luckily caught it during a roll-check.

4. Used the Wrong Tool on a Brake Line 
Crescent wrench instead of flare wrench. It worked, but I chewed up the fitting.

5. Skipped the Test Ride After a Fluid Change 
Thought I nailed the brake bleed. Rear felt soft once I was already riding.

Lesson learned? Don't rush. Don't guess. Use the right tools and trust your gut.

Now it's your turn:

- What's the worst mistake you've made while wrenching? 
- Ever save a ride by catching something just in time? 
- Got a custom tip, favorite tool, or garage hack?

This is your corner of the forum. Post your mistakes, your recoveries, and everything in between.

Welcome to the Garage. 
Respect is earned. Mistakes are shared. Knowledge is passed down.

Ride smart, wrench smarter — 
Shades 🛠�

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Event Name: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Sturgis, SD - 08/04/2023
Event Date/Time: 8/4/2023 - 8/13/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: The 2023 Sturgis/Black Hills Motorcycle Rally is the 83rd Anniversary of the Worlds Largest & the Most Famous Motorcycle Rally

Through the area at multiple locations and venues you will find top notch music and entertainment, 1000s of vendors, wild parties and more stuff than we can even tell you about.

There are lots of great campgrounds from peaceful to campgrounds with their own parties, entertainment, shows, vendors and more going all day and all night.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (also know as the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally) takes place throughout the city of Sturgis, SD and the surrounding area with something going on all day and all night for the entire week. Some of the hot spots with events going on are...

Iron Horse Saloon, Knuckle Saloon, Glencoe Camp Resort (home of the world famous titty alley), Sturgis Buffalo Chip (known for some of the biggest name concerts), and of course the Full Throttle Saloon - the World's Largest Biker Bar
Event Location: Sturgis, South Dakota
Address: 1040 Harley-Davidson Way
City: Sturgis
State: South Dakota
Zip: 57785
Contact Phone: 605-347-4422
Contact Email: info@sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Event URL: https://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/

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Event Name: Thunder On The Street Rally - Pleasanton, KS - 06/03/2023
Event Date/Time: 6/3/2023 - 6/3/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: Midwest Premier Motorcycle Rally! Starts off with a charity ride to the event. We have a day's worth of fun and activities awaiting you. The Ives Brothers Wall Of Death, All Out Dyno Drags, swap meet, Carpenters Ol' Iron museum, numerous motorcycle-related vendors, food court, live music, kids area, skilled cone riding course and much more!
Event Location: Living Proof Church
Address: 32401 Harmony Rd
City: Paola
State: Kansas
Zip: 66071
Contact Phone: (913) 406-4361
Contact Email: kansas-p@soldiersforjesusmc.com
Event URL: https://www.sfjkc.com/

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Event Name: CMA Cowboys & Chrome Rally - Dodge City, KS - 06/02/2023
Event Date/Time: 6/2/2023 - 6/4/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: Build relationships with CMA members from around your state, meet the National Evangelist for your region, network with other chapters, and experience the vision of CMA! Invite friends, neighbors, and other motorcycle organizations for worship, fellowship, fun, and more!
Event Location: Wright Park
Address: 71 N. 2nd Avenue
City: Dodge City
State: Kansas
Zip: 67801
Contact Phone: (785) 547-6619
Contact Email: woody304@hotmail.com
Event URL: https://cmausa.org/Events/EventsTypes?EventPagePath=873_Event.html

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Event Name: Boone Bike Rally
Event Date/Time: 6/2/2023 - 6/3/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: The Boone Bike Rally is back for the Spring 2023 with Bikes, Babes, Bands, Vendors and More

BYOB (no glass please)

Bike Games – $1000.00 1st Place

Bike Show - $1000.00 in Prizes & Trophies

Wet T-Shirt Contest - $250.00 1st Place

Friday Day Pass $15.00
Saturday Day Pass $25.00
Weekend Pass $30.00
Event Location: High Country Fairgrounds
Address: 748 Roby Greene Rd
City: Boone
State: North Carolina
Zip: 28607
Contact Phone: (828) 733-8060
Contact Email: boonebikerally@hotmail.com
Event URL: boonebikerally.com

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Event Name: Texas Iron Rally - Rocksprings, TX - 06/01/2023
Event Date/Time: 6/1/2023 - 6/4/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: An Old School Motorcycle Rally & Biker Party with Live Music, Bike Show, Door Prizes, Vendors, Runs, Games, Wet T-Shirt Contest ($500 Prize) and More. Plus being just 10 minutes to the famous Three Sisters you can experience some of the best motorcycle rides in Texas.

Free Tent Camping, RV Spaces Available, Showers, Swimming

Adults over 21 only!

Proceeds benefit Local Volunteer Fire Departments
Event Location: Ledge Water Park
Address: 16642 South Texas Hwy 55
City: Rocksprings
State: Texas
Zip: 78880
Contact Phone: (361) 288-6911
Contact Email: TexasIronRally@gmail.com
Event URL: texasironrally.com

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Event Name: South Carolina CMA State Rally - Seneca, SC - 06/01/2023
Event Date/Time: 6/1/2023 - 6/4/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: Build relationships with CMA members from around your state, meet the National Evangelist for your region, network with other chapters, and experience the vision of CMA! Invite friends, neighbors, and other motorcycle organizations for worship, fellowship, fun, and more.
Event Location: Oconee Christian Academy
Address: 150 His Way
City: Seneca
State: South Carolina
Zip: 29672
Contact Phone: (601) 278-5084
Contact Email: johnaslay@yahoo.com
Event URL: https://cmausa.org/Events/EventsTypes?EventPagePath=898_Event.html

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Event Name: Aspen Cash Motorcycle Rally - Ruidoso, NM - 05/18/2023
Event Date/Time: 5/18/2023 - 5/23/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: You'll never be dissatisfied riding in Ruidoso, New Mexico. It's a combination of nature and cool, fresh air that rarely disappoints the motorcycle rider.

If you've never been up to Ruidoso, you'll discover the perfect combination of mountain views, sweet twisting roads, and lots of elevation changes.

There's not much traffic (unless our rally is going on, then, it's super cool traffic) and the roads are in good condition.
Event Location: Ruidoso Convention Center
Address: 111 Sierra Blanca Dr,
City: Ruidoso
State: New Mexico
Zip: 88345
Contact Phone: (575) 937-2631
Event URL: https://motorcyclerally.com/

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Event Name: Lost Highway Motorcycle Show & Concert - Bushkil, PA - 05/19/2023
Event Date/Time: 5/19/2023 - 5/21/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Show
Event Description: Lynyrd Skynyrd will headline the upcoming LOST HIGHWAYTM Motorcycle Show & Concert (a multi-day event slated for May 19-21, 2023 at the newly renovated, 200+ acre entertainment complex POCONOS PARK). The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted group known for classic hits such as "Free Bird," "Gimme Three Steps," and "Sweet Home Alabama" will take the stage of the Amphitheater at POCONOS PARK on Friday, May 19, 2023 with direct support by fellow Southern rockers, The Marshall Tucker Band ("Can't You See," "Heard It In A Love Song," "Fire on the Mountain"). Rick Monroe & the Hitmen, The Jess Zimmerman Band, and Seth Enslow are also slated to appear on the outdoor festival stage throughout the day.

LOST HIGHWAY Motorcycle Show & Concert will also feature daily activities including charity rides from Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson, motorcycle giveaways, bike games, a cornhole tournament, line dancing in the Party Tent, and more. There will also be two motorcycle shows: the Deadbeat Custom Clash Ride-in Motorcycle Show that will feature five categories of bikes (including Chopper, FXR/Dyna, Sportster, Bagger and Softail) and Speed-Kings Cycle Showcase that will exhibit the best bikes from custom builders from across the nation in conjunction with the Motorcycle Art Gallery curated by Strati Hovartos at the intimate Lake House at POCONOS PARK.

While this is a bike-related event, the general public is encouraged to come out and catch the show, check out the beautiful bikes, and party in the Poconos!
Event Location: Poconos Park
Address: 265 Tom Ridge Dr.
City: Bushkill
State: Pennsylvania
Zip: 18324
Event URL: https://losthighwayshow.com/

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Event Name: Route 66 Bike Week - Golden Valley, AZ - 04/26/2023
Event Date/Time: 4/26/2023 - 4/30/2023
Countdown: Expired
Event Type: Motorcycle Rally
Event Description: Route 66 Bike week is not made up of a parking lot full of vendors, or some expensive host hotel... Instead, stay in one of the many historic motels along Route 66. That is, if you don't camp with us at the Saddle Sore Ranch. From there, you can ride the Mother Road east and west, with awesome stops all along the way. Follow in the footsteps of Easy Rider film locations, take a step back in time at a historic Route 66 diner. Stay overnight in a Route 66 motel. We will be planning activities all along this stretch of Route 66, so you are sure to have a great time, and mix in with other riders from around the world!
Event Location: Saddle Sore Ranch
Address: 4597 Jasper Road
City: Golden Valley
State: Arizona
Zip: 86413
Contact Phone: (424) 322-0505
Event URL: eventbrite.com/e/323497879867

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