End Motorcycle Repair Ignorance in Portland!
Our project is simple: we will provide a space for motorcyclists and scooterists to learn and repair their own two-wheeled machines. We will create a professionally appointed, clean, and safe place for all motorcyclists and scooterists to use.
Currently in Portland, NO shop offers space for D-I-Y maintenance, and nothing short of a technical college will point people toward knowledge needed. We believe that offering a facility that can address both needs is a community necessity.
Why does this project fit in Portland?
Much of Portland's culture is based on the D-I-Y lifestyle, and it is demonstrated by the sheer number of D-I-Y shops for bicycles, D-I-Y coffee roasting businesses, etc.
If realized, what benefits will this project provide the community? To whom?
While we imagine lots of benefits from this project, these are our greatest benefits:
- Providing a space for everyone in the motorcycle-scooter community to use for maintenance.
- Increasing riders’ abilities and knowledge in maintaining and troubleshooting motorcycles.
- Increasing riders’ community cohesion as a whole through working side-by-side.
Ratchets Away! needs your support!
A modern, professional motorcycle repair facility requires a lot of upfront capital. Space preparation, equipment, and professional grade tools create large upfront costs that make opening a professional space to the community difficult at first.
We're planning on opening before the riding season is in full swing. For us, that means being open by May 2013.
Our Financial Goals
Our project has several key landmarks we would love to achieve to make this space as professional as possible.
$7,000: Our Minimum Goal The net proceeds from our initial goal will fund the BARE MINIMUM to prepare the space & get some necessary tools required to make the shop operational.
$15,000: The Professional Place When we reach this overage goal, we'll have enough to appoint the shop in a very professional way. Specialty equipment will be purchased, as well as upgrades to the space itself.
$30,000 and up: Ready for Anything! At this point we're getting into serious professional tools; specialty tools will be purchased for everyone to use on premises. We’ll also buy specialty equipment makes the shop safer.
We've got some great rewards!
For backing our project, and supporting the community, we've got some great rewards! Each reward is exclusive to this project, and will be a great way to show your support and experience the shop first hand!
Below are our digital designs we're sending out to produce our Limited Edition swag!
Classes, Consultations, FREE TIME, and the DIBS Package Tour Ride Explained
Every level starting at Fairingless-Standard Level ($50) allows backers to participate in group classes on D-I-Y maintenance. Class participation is free for donors who receive it as a reward. A motorcycle or scooter is chosen as a demonstration device, allowing backers to see methods work first hand. Each student will apply lessons to their motorcycle or scooter while under supervision. Topics include:
Basic Maintenance Class: familiarization with basic shop equipment, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), proper use of basic hand tools, proper space preparation, waste segregation & recycling, shop safety, and basic maintenance techniques.
Troubleshooting Class: electrical concepts, electrical diagrams, electrical generation and management on motorcycles, use of a multi-meter, the subsystems of a motorcycle, using sensory input to find symptoms, deductive reasoning, and hypothesis testing
Advanced Maintenance Class: replace & repair major subsystems & components, tire removal & installation, specialty tool use
Detailing for a Rally Class: uses of polishes, waxes, and abrasives; proper paint maintenance; rust & oxidation removal; dirt, grime, and bug removal; paint restoration & repair; proper tool use
Personal Consultations: Starting at Hooligan Class Level ($150), backers receive a 1-on-1 consultation with Ratchets Away founder, Matt. Consultations will be tailored to the individual rider, discussion based, and cover (at minimum): common wear items and maintenance needs for backer's bike model, how to perform basic maintenance on backer's bike, and a digital copy of the bike's repair manual (if available). Actual maintenance is possible; any parts or supplies used during a consultation is an expense paid by the backer, not the shop.
FREE DAYS: FREE DAY, FREE WEEK, and FREE FOR LIFE rewards entitle backer to use of lift free of charge for duration stated. Parts, supplies, and associated fees (such as hazardous waste fees) are NOT included, and are costs paid by the backer.
DIBS Package Tour Ride: Chopper DIBS Package ($1000) backers and higher are invited to join Ratchets Away founder in a special "Thank You" tour ride in the NW US. Backers are allowed to bring a total of 4 (themselves & 3 friends) on a maximum of 2 motorcycles. The ride will commence and end at the Ratchets Away shop, in Portland, OR, and will be a minimum of 2 days, 1 night. Basic lodging in a motel is currently planned. Gas, lodging, dinner & breakfast will be paid by Ratchet's Away, but all other associated costs are paid by participants, (including, but not limited to, maintenance needs, vehicle recovery, motorcycle rental, if required, and transportation to and from commencement site).
Risks and challenges
Like all projects that involve building a space, we face several challenges related to real estate, like zoning & permits. To alleviate potential issues, one of our board members is a real estate expert and ensures that we run into a minimum of resistance.
A change in costs could adversely affect our purchasing power. To help minimize this impact, we're fostering relationships with our vendors and attempting to secure deals that lock prices in today, but are payable at a later date.
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Funding period
- (30 days)