Small motorcycle repair shop

Local riders, commuters and enthusiasts, plus dealers or sellers who need bikes prepared for sale.

Hourly labor rate and flat-rate jobs, plus markup on parts and accessories. Seasonal storage and tire fitting can add steady income.

• Motorcycle mechanical skills
• Diagnostics
• Parts ordering and stock control
• Customer service and quoting

• Check zoning for auto repair use with your city or county before signing a lease
• Business license, sales tax registration and any state auto repair registration, check with your state and local offices
• General liability, garage liability and garage keepers insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Environmental rules for waste oil, batteries, solvents and tires, check with your state environmental agency
• Business is seasonal in colder states, plan your cash flow for winter
• Liability if a repair fails, so document work and keep records

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the unit you rent, lifts and tools, parts stock and insurance. Get quotes for your own workshop to turn this estimate into a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many bikes you service, your rates and your location. Business can be seasonal in colder states, so plan cash flow for winter.

Check zoning for auto repair use with your city or county before signing a lease. Also check your business license, sales tax registration, any state auto repair registration, insurance such as garage liability, and environmental rules for waste oil, batteries, solvents and tires.