I never wrenched on other bikes too much as an adult. With the help of others I have learned that a novice who cares about their bike can pull off the general stuff on the Bird. Also learned many shops do not have the talent to do it right. Seems once you have worked on or with a bike there is more of an emotional tie. Love mine never want to leave it. Did I mention I went from being intimidated to change the TPS to swapping a motor from the air-box to the exhaust. These bikes are great. I have learned much about how we may set limits on ourselves that are not necessary or accurate.