DIY Shop

[PaulG]

Came across this article last week by accident.

http://www.metronews.ca/news/toronto/2016/05/19/diy-garage-in-toronto-is-a-home-for-motorcycle-mechanics.html

I was in the area on Sunday so I dropped by to see what it was about.  I remember there used to be a few DIY shops around for mostly cars, but they disappeared ages ago.  As the article states it is owned by a young couple who believe there is a niche to provide this service in a large metropolis where many people don't have access to a garage or shop.

Motorevere.com


The place is relatively small with one roll up door that opens up onto a busy 4 lane street. They are holding weekly free workshops open to everyone. Today they had one on basic electrics, so I paid another visit.  The guy doing the workshop teaches basic motorcycle mechanics through a continuing education course through the school board.  He's helping them getting things going and creating a buzz among the motorcycle community.

From what I saw they might be on target.  There was about a dozen people who showed up for this workshop.  I was the oldest there by the looks of it    There was also five women in the group which was a good sign.  They were a varied bunch from 5ft - 90lbs soaking wet - to a 6ft statuesque blond - to a wild child with nose ring and tattoos.    Some people seemed new to motorcycles while a couple (like me) seemed to be around the odometer few times.

What I think is unique is they are treating this like a club with varying levels of membership, and allowing you to move up or down in dues, depending on your needs.  They are still trying to find their feet and for what I gathered when I talked to them, they are still exploring ways to engage the public.  I hope they succeed.

I'm considering a membership, but not immediately. I want to check the valve train, and I don't relish doing that in my driveway. It will also give me the luxury of time to consider how far I want to go with it. Just stay with a valve adjustment, or start digging deeper...    Considering their upper membership fee for a month is what I would pay a bike shop for an hour is a pretty good deal I think.

I signed up for their email newsletter and will keep tabs and visit until then.  I'm also going to look into the basic mechanic course which is 9wks long. Logistically with my work schedule it's a problem, but I wouldn't mind getting at least a smidgen of formal training.  Most of mine comes from the School of Throwing Things At The Wall. And more recently from this site, which has reduced the drywall repairs somewhat.   

[Yamahammer1200]

There are a few of these opening up around the SF Bay Area.  Silicon Valley Moto Guild, or something like that.
I think it's a great idea, and something that supports up and coming gear heads.
They had something like this at military bases (auto hobby shop), with tools, air, and even a M/C lift, that I rented out for less than $10/day.   

[fj1289]

like Yamahammer said - the military bases have had these -- I've spent many hours there!  But when I got to Denver - found out they had closed the auto hobby shop at the base here.  Seems it wasn't "profitable" enough....or the base commander wanted to use the building for something else...

I hope these folks are successful - I don't think wrenching skills are getting passed down as much as in the past.

[Alte Fahrt]

I hope these folks are successful - I don't think wrenching skills are getting passed down as much as in the past.

I think the reasons are simple. Things are way more complicated today. With things like oxygen sensors, computers and even tire pressure sensors it cost a fortune for the diagnostic equipment. Back when I was young (I know ancient history) you only needed a timing light, vacuum gage and a tach and dwell meter. Just to change the oil you need to know how to reset the service light. Maybe this is part of the reason the old beasts we ride are appealing. Compared to a modern car they are relatively simple to work on.

[FJ_Hooligan]

I still have a timing light and dwell meter.  It's been at least 30 years since I used either one.

[JPaganel]

We used to have one of these for cars.

It went belly up.

I miss it.