2) the Motorcycle Build Process:

The Key to a Project is the Process

A project needs to have a logical beginning, middle and a successful end. Not being done in that order does not mean a project will not succeed but there is a high potential for issues, concerns and problems that may result in errors, rework, lost time and added expenditures. This lesson was hard for me to learn especially after many project restarts. For this project I am going to follow the process.

Beginning;

I need to develop clear objectives on what I want and expect the motorcycle to do and as much as possibly look like. So what do I want? The final components and looks/function may vary (will vary) as a project develops. I have never own or even worked on a Honda Goldwing and I have only ridden a couple Harley Davidson, so I really right now don’t have a clue of what I am in for.

      

           

May be something like this.

With one of these.

And a couple of these.

I need a place to do the work with the room and storage necessary to keep removed components, pieces and part organized. My last project was a 1955 Chevy Pickup. I did a frame up stock restoration. The Pickup came out pretty good.

                  

But a truck when taken apart took up a lot of space and the VERY large components like fenders, doors, bed, and the cab which cannot be moved around easily need to be put out of the way. Also every screw, bolt, bracket and plug, if you plan on reusing them needs to be stored so they can be found and separated by use. 

The motorcycle will take up a lot less space but not knowing what I will need or reuse I will still need a plan on storage and separation of all the components, brackets and wiring. And once the bike comes apart it needs to be where it can be worked on for possibly a long period of time. And be out of the way from potentially impacting all of the other minor projects that will arise over the next year or so. So planning ahead on location and location prep is important to insure a smooth project and minimize ancillary impact as the project progresses.

So my first action is to clean up my shop, find a lot of plastic bends and make sure my label marker has tape. Also make a list of the new tools needed for this project which always must be done before you start any new project. 

Project prep begins tomorrow.