starting to do bike detailing?

[cmarider]

Hello, im happy to say that I love to detail my bike and get comments on it alot! That has got me thinking about maybe making some extra weekend cash. Do you know is ther avalible some forms for making out a list of services? I mean like a sample form that I could use and modify to fit motorcycles? Ive been looking around and havent seem to find much at all. Might offer to do a couple of friends bikes for a few buck to get my name out there. Any ideas? Andrew

[3Dog]

I would say the amount of equipment that we use that is job specific with the detailing of bikes would be around 5K.
For whatever reason general liability insurance with garage rider attached is higher than with just detailing cars.
Detailing lists would be more specific to how and what your plans are. Our full detail takes anywhere from 5 to 6 hours with over a hundred points to complete. Our premium wash takes around 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
More chrome ...more time. Aftermarket chrome can be a real pain..all chrome was not created equal! And some safe for chrome products can result in disaster.
One point to always have is first thing with customer go over bike with a fine tooth comb and document ALL defects......it will help keep your insurance costs down.

[cmarider]

Thanks for the input! I was hoping to hear from you, and it is nice to hear from you. Do you know of any online sources for detailing brushes, worksheets, information or invoicing etc. Im in South Carolina and there is an interest. I started asking around last week. Already cheked on liscense and insurance etc. Im planning on doing this in my shop at first instead of rening a building. This will be a part time adventure for my wife and myself. Hoping to start with maybe one per week. I spend about 4 hours cleaning my bike after a good weekend ride so im familur with the amount of time needed, but it is really relazing for me! Thanks. Andrew

[3Dog]

I just read a post today on Autopia..a man in the car detailing business decided to share all his form, checklist etc with anyone who wanted. Thats something you might want to look into.
The main thing you need, first and foremost, is a good jack stand.
Based on you own bike, get a good idea of how long it takes to do a wash only, a wash and wax (or seal) and a full out, nothing missed detail (to this one add one hour). Then very precisely decide what you have to make an hour to pay everything and still make the profit you want. This will give you a good base to work from.
As far as vendors to buy equipment. There are a lot I have had to go through to get/make what I need. Any specific question for that I can answer in a PM.
Pinnacle Paint Cleaning Lotion and Souveran should be on hand.
Detail Paradise MF Skinny is the absolute best applicator there is for bike details.
EZ Detail Brush will be your best friend...I am big on cross-contamination...we used three dedicated ones on bikes (wheels, motor, frame)
I do not like (actually hate) the use of air compressors (way to much pressure for seals and gaskets) and weed blowers (exhaust pipes) for use on bike. Get an Air Force blower.
There is tons more..so feel free to PM me at anytime.

[Sevenrd]

I came across a link of a nice rough copy of a pre-detail checklist on another forum. I copied it and have modified it to suit my needs - re-formatted, added some services, deleted some and included some pricing.

Here's the link to the document I started with...

http://www.autoint.com/tips/inspection_form.php

[cmarider]

Thank you everyone for you help! i got a pretty nice air operated table in mind to buy. Think im going to pick ip up soon. Have a great weekend everyone! Drew

[3Dog]

Originally Posted by cmarider

Thank you everyone for you help! i got a pretty nice air operated table in mind to buy. Think im going to pick ip up soon. Have a great weekend everyone! Drew

Are you able to spin the wheels with this table?

[cmarider]

Hello, not sure if it will do the front or not. The back wheel will though. Hum got me thinking now what! LOL! Drew