He's probably the only one they will let touch a street bike! I swear, if I wouldn't have to charge people such high rates to make it happen, I'd open a shop with mechs that give a shit, or get kicked to the curb!

I have thought about the "toy barn" concept, where you have a garage with the heavier equipment, special tools, air, lifts, and bays to rent so people can come in and work on thier stuff. You could have a welder, parts washer, sand blaster, paint booth, etc. Maybe not all up front, but eventually. It could be like a private club, with memberships, or by the hour, day, week, or month. There are a few of these here and there around the country, and everybody helps others. Of course there is a liability release involved, but I'd love to do it. I need to sit down and figure out what it would cost to get it off the ground. I own a bunch of the stuff already. Real estate is a big deal, and being Texas, it would have to have an air-conditioned lounge area.

Oh well. I'll post it when I grow the required hairs on my behind to try something like that!

When I hit the lottery, I'll help fund it!

txulrich wrote:
When I hit the lottery, I'll help fund it!

+1

Gee, you guys are swell!

jd750ace wrote:
Gee, you guys are swell!

Actuall, I think it's a great idea and if there was such a place, I would seriously consider joining. A shop with HVAC, tools, equipment and a resident mechanic for questions or tough issues. Could be doable concept.

jd750ace wrote:
He's probably the only one they will let touch a street bike! I swear, if I wouldn't have to charge people such high rates to make it happen, I'd open a shop with mechs that give a shit, or get kicked to the curb!

I have thought about the "toy barn" concept, where you have a garage with the heavier equipment, special tools, air, lifts, and bays to rent so people can come in and work on thier stuff. You could have a welder, parts washer, sand blaster, paint booth, etc. Maybe not all up front, but eventually. It could be like a private club, with memberships, or by the hour, day, week, or month. There are a few of these here and there around the country, and everybody helps others. Of course there is a liability release involved, but I'd love to do it. I need to sit down and figure out what it would cost to get it off the ground. I own a bunch of the stuff already. Real estate is a big deal, and being Texas, it would have to have an air-conditioned lounge area.

Oh well. I'll post it when I grow the required hairs on my behind to try something like that!

We have a few of these in Southern California. I really want to join one but none are close enough to make sense. So thinking of starting one as well.

I first read about one about 10 years ago. It was in New York, and the patrons stored thier machines there, since the annual membership was cheaper than additional parking spaces at thier residence.

When I was in The U.S. Army, we had a garage like this as part of the M.S.A., and it was great. Guys went over there and did head jobs on cars, suspension lifts on trucks, and practically built bikes.

The ones I know about around here were started by groups of people who wanted access to something like this, so all privately funded. Memberships range from NO, but you can come use it, to $$$$ of dollars per year. But I really like the idea. It would make for a great hangout when you just wanted to do some wrenching and someone could use a hand. I would donate tools and equipment if I knew others who would as well.

I have been thinking of opening a shop as well. I have been a professional mechanic for 12 years. I have just about everything that is needed. Also a guy I work with is a certified bike mechanic. Went to MMI, is Harley, Honda, yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki certified. We work on bikes all the time. I keep trying to find a way to get funding, but no luck. I would love to do something like that.

I am also a tattoo artist and have been trying to find a way to fund opening that shop as well. But you need credit and collateral. Which I don't have.

Maybe some day!!

Well my friend, if you want to be staring at the highest priced retail space in North Texas, just look around you! I worked with several folks at Love Field that lived up in your area. EVERYTHING that sits on dirt is 50-70% more expensive up there than it is down in little 'ol Ellis County. We're still mostly rural cotton patch, and commercial space can be leased for much less per foot. Of course, being out of the way means advertising, and having something folks are willing to travel for, but I think that would come around in short order.