Setting up a Motorcycle Repair Shop

Summary: If you are in an area where motorcycles are popular, and thus, there is a need for repair, maintenance and upgrade, then you might have a business to start. That is even without you directly knowing how to do the repairs of motorcycles yourself.

More than learning how to fix engines and brakes, learn how to do business from our guide.

This mode of transport, comes the need for repair and maintenance. And so, if you have been a long-time motorcycle enthusiast, has the experience and skill in repairing and restoring motorcycles, or even just the basic business know-how, you may have one business waiting to flourish in your hands. Assuming that you know more than enough about brakes and tune-ups or that you intend to hire one who does, here we will discuss how to do business.

First, we work on the premise that you are in an area where motorcycles are popular, thus the demand. By location, JobBank USA says Grand Junction, Texarkana and Redding have the highest ratio of motorcycle service technicians to population. Statistics by state is available at www.jobbankusa.com. If you are in an area where the ratio is high, it could mean that the demand for the service is high, but also consider whether the market is already saturated with motorcycle service technicians. Also consider whether the demand is increasing or declining.

Motorcycle Training Requirement

Some motorcycle repair shop owners are self-taught; others have formal training from schools and from certificate programs of motorcycle manufacturers. JobBank USA says salaries for motorcycle service technicians can range from $25,000 to more than $41,000.

Still, even if you don't have any background, for as long as you have a good business sense, you can start one by hiring an experienced technician while running the overall operation of the business yourself. After all, running a motorcycle shop doesn't only mean doing repairs -- it also means selling motorcycle accessories like helmets, gloves, leather clothing, and sunglasses, and even motorcycles on consignment. Also, a significant part of the business might also involve modifying and adding components to improve a motorcycle's performance.

Motorcycle Shop Needs

One of the first and major decisions that someone wanting to open a motorcycle repair shop would have to make is about acquiring or renting a place or an existing shop. You would need investment to pay a deposit to the lessee (if you are renting), gas and electric company and buy tools and equipment like compressors, tire changers, motorcycle lifts. The tools alone could cost between $10,000 and $20,000. This business is usually a full-time business, albeit seasonal in some places, since winter months give way to snowmobiles on the road.