I don't think it's for everyone, but I think it's realistic if its something someone wants to take on. It's like everythings else.... it just cost money and time. I usually justify the cost of the tools with the money I save from having to pay the shop. I saved about $1000 on the ape hanger install. (ofcoarse I didn't have to put them on in the first place... lol but that's not the point. )



I wouldn't be disappointed if that happen one day.

I'm with the buying tools methodology - especially if you have kids. Kids naturally want to learn from their parents. Being self-sufficient is and will always be a good thing. That goes for changing a kitchen faucet washer to an intake manifold washer on a HD.
I learned from my Pop from an early age to get it done - get it done right - do it your self.
I remember him replacing the water heater when i was 7 or 8 years old, I was right by his side and never knew that was a job for a plumber. We owned the house and we fixed it, I thought that was the way it was supposed to be. It wasn't until I got a little older that I found out most people don't have any skills or trades taught to them from their parents. Pop used to say "tools will always pay for themselves - but you have to use them for that to work".

For me - the mounting and balancing tools wouldn't pay for themselves so I just take it to the pros. I get them while I wait and I watch them do the work. Top notch.

All the other stuff on the bike that I do saves me plenty but most importantly I have peace of mind knowing that I tightened each of the fasteners, put the correct fluids in, inspected everything personally.
That is worth the scrapped knuckles and greasy paws, plus tools are cool!!

My dad was the same way about fixing his own stuff. My wife thought it was unuaual that I fixed or made my own home improvements... like it was some unusual skill. Her exhusband was not a fixit person. If the toilet plugged, they called the plumber. I have been poor most of my life and the idea of paying someone to fix or build something was not an option. Everyone has their own way... I can respect that. When I did pay someone to do it, it usually bugged me because either the quality wasn't there or for the price I could have purchased a new compressor... or some other cool-tool if I'd done it myself.

I have had friends/family that prefered to pay a professional. There is no doubt about, a true professional that does quality work will do a better job than the lay-person. It takes years to be an exceptional carpenter or mechanic... or any trade or profession.

There's the overlooked part - those people are few and far between. If you are lucky enough to have one than by all means make sure you keep them. But I've been working on my bike for almost 20 years - no one knows it better than me. I am a professional mechanic - I've fixed other peoples cars and bikes for money since I was a kid. So several bad experiences with different dealerships when i first got my bike made me realize that if I wanted to ride this bike and keep it for a long time then I would have to be responsible for it's maintenance and repairs on my own. I promptly bought the shop manual and never looked back.
KS- you might not have the experience but you are still probably the most responsible mechanic that bike will have. You'll make sure to do your best - because it is yours.
Same goes for your house or your car. Some people have the gift of skills - most never find out because they're told they can't do it.