new mechanic wannabe :)

Hi all, this is my first post, so hello from canada

After looking at local mechanic's rates and then looking at my paycheque again, I've decided to try and learn how to fix motorcycles myself....a little emphasis on "try"... So far all I've ever really done is the sparkplug/oil & filter change and replaced a couple busted turn signals on my bike, but now the breaks are squeaking.....sometimes, so I thought I'd check and see if you guys had any idea where a newb should start looking. Here's the symptoms....
It's a '82 virago 920J
Sometimes when I lean into a turn, go over a bump, or otherwize jar the bike a little, a squeaking sound will come from the front end of the bike. When I apply a small amount of pressure to the leaver (barely even touch it really) the sound goes away. Sometimes the sound will return when I release the break, sometimes it'll stay gone.
Also, there's sometimes a slight squeal when I use the breaks regularaly....like when I need to change the pads, which I'll probably end up doing when I try to fix whatever this is...

Thanks in advance for any opinions you may offer
-Steve

In article <7805698_799bbba3efeaaf83cc5b880ec52ff4ab.TakeThisOut@motorcycleforumz.com>, relaxed <none.TakeThisOut@000.com> wrote:
>Hi all, this is my first post, so hello from canada
>
>After looking at local mechanic’s rates and then looking at my
>paycheque again, I’ve decided to try and learn how to fix motorcycles
>myself....a little emphasis on "try"... So far all I’ve ever really
>done is the sparkplug/oil & filter change and replaced a couple busted
>turn signals on my bike, but now the breaks are
>squeaking.....sometimes, so I thought I’d check and see if you guys
>had any idea where a newb should start looking. Here’s the
>symptoms....
>It’s a ’82 virago 920J
>Sometimes when I lean into a turn, go over a bump, or otherwize jar
>the bike a little, a squeaking sound will come from the front end of
>the bike. When I apply a small amount of pressure to the leaver
>(barely even touch it really) the sound goes away. Sometimes the sound
>will return when I release the break, sometimes it’ll stay gone.
>Also, there’s sometimes a slight squeal when I use the breaks
>regularaly....like when I need to change the pads, which I’ll probably
>end up doing when I try to fix whatever this is...
>
>Thanks in advance for any opinions you may offer
>-Steve
>
1. get the haynes manual or a shop manual.
2.decide what kind of brakes.
3. take apart, check specs, replace worn.
4.reassemble correctly
5. ride and feel incredibly smug.
ask here if you get stuck.
it's a start.
if you have discs, they are easy.