Apparently a few of you have taken offense where none was intended. I agree that learning to wrench on your own bike is a great way to go. I still believe that your time and money would be better spent by either finding a friend who can help you get started and assist you when you get in over your head, or by having the bike sorted out professionally, then learning by initially performing maintenance and minor repairs.

Best of luck in your endeavor

 

I was kinda in your situation. I'd done work on some cars (successfully changed spark plugs on a Citation in the 80s without tearing ligaments). Never did anything with a bike before.

Starting point for me was (and still kinda is) identifying the components. The manual helps. But a fully charged laptop within wireless range is better. Dunno what manual you have but I got the Haynes manual. The routine maintenance section if a great starting point (1st thing is adjusting and lubing the chain).

Do the little stuff (oil / spark plug changes) to get used to cursing about fitting 4 fingers & a thumb into a space big enough for a swizzle stick Anything that doesn't need special tools

Find out what your bf did to get it running. Might be important later. When in doubt, have your camera phone ready (if it shoots video, even better) and come back here

 

Dude, you are so right!