Motorcycle Repair Flat Rate Times

My buddy Josh and I have been talkin lately about fixin bikes in my garage since I'm not working and he needs some extra cash. He's already passed all the Clinics and is in Tech training in the Harley program right now, and I'm done all the major Clinics through 5 and currently in Engine Diagnosis (Clinic 6). The next one for me is 7a which is where you prove everything that you've learned up to that point and then 7b where you learn the computer programs for each brand. I've already posted an ad on Craigslist (cause it's free) and have someone that wants us to do a tire R&R on their moped this week.

My question for you guys is, are there any basic guidelines for general service repair times on motorcycles. I mean, I know that each bike has it's own times for pulling parts and getting into a specific area, replacing the part and getting it all back together again... but there's got to be some basic time tables or programs out there... preferably free ones :wink:

I know I could like just go to a few dealerships and snap pics or take notes of the posted service time flat rates, but I don't wanna be too obvious and risk confrontation with a foreman that I may eventually be dealing with on my own machines or possibly working for by blatantly snooping his prices. I know its a touch subject for most shops when it comes to labor hours, and they don't like disclosing them to the public, but I don't want to rip people off by overcharging them times or ripping myself off by undercharging either.

I imagine quite a few of you work out of your garage, do you have a set schedule for job times? I know that tire changes are .7 hrs, and that a carb clean is usually 1.5 per cylinder, but aside from that I really don't know.

Help?

 

Lazy:

This is really hard to answer and basically you have to figure out the cost yourself.

The only advice I have is start out doing smaller jobs like oil changes and tire chnages and get the word out a bike nights and the like what type of work you do. It takes time and patience to build a reputation and client base.

The mechanic I go to has been working on bike for over 20 years and doing it for a living for probably 15. He charges 55.00 an hour flat rate. But he is busy, has a small shop and carries no vast list of parts. Basically his overhead is tools, a dyno and his building. So he is less expensive that a dealership, but you better have the parts needed for the work ahead of time. If you are serious about this endevour you will probably have to work two jobs as you'll need to start adding tools to your garage and the work you do get will trickle in slowly. Be prepared to explain your labor increase to customers too as you make the transition from day job wth a company to self employment.

I am just rambling but think about working for or under a more experianced mechanic for some time, researh the internet and read some books on running a small business.

My 2 cents.

BZ