Bike shop idea. Thoughts?

[memper]

I'm writing a business plan to start (or partner) a DIY bike shop. I have been discouraged by the lack of motorcycle educational places in NYC so my idea is to solve that problem. Ideally it would be a large garage with multiple lifts each with a workbench and their own set of basic tools. Tire changer, air compressor(s), outlets, welding area, etc, etc would be available too. People could come in and pay an hourly rate for the lifts or full day. Month long would also be available. The vision also has a high educational aspect as well (this would be the focus of the branding), with classes and workshops showing how to do stuff from basic maintenance to engine rebuilding taught by seasoned mechanics who would come through when workshops are being held. A couple of mechanics would be on staff to help out or to do the work if customers dont want to dive in themselves.
Other programming would happen like group rides, charity rides, art shows, bbq's, etc.
I have also been contemplating using the platform to help urban teens. Lots of teenagers in my area of Bed Stuy ride bikes or either stand on the corner doing nothing. I would love to put a wrench in their hands and teach them something valuable.
Small retail would be there too like tees, hats, coveralls, aprons, and consumables like oil, plugs, chains, lubes, and cleaners, etc.
Insurance would be a huge hurdle and the place would need lots of security cameras and waivers for if and when someone drops a bike on their head.
There are a couple of other shops sort of like this in Brooklyn. One is a massive storage facility with the ability to work on your bike but with limited lifts and a shared pot of tools. No classes or workshops. At your own risk. Another is a member only DIY space. Little to no programming. And the last one is a standard garage (run by a jerk) that has storage and DIY space but no lifts and no tools.

I am considering talking to the owner of the first mentioned one about a partnership. He is a stand up dude and would give me an ear. But he may not want the extra risk. His model is easy and successful. But he is a big community minded guy so maybe he'll be interested.
The business plan is nearly done and I'm slated to take some business courses by the local SBA and SCORE.

Just want to hear your thoughts about this idea.
To get an idea of what I'm thinking, during my research I came across this shop in San Fran that is doing pretty much exactly what I want to do. http://www.motoshopsf.com/

Granted, they are in sunny Cali and my idea is in seasonal NYC. But I think if I do it right it can work.

[Grampa]

Had the same idea years ago, only thought of customers paying monthly or yearly dues like a gym membership. Also incorporating a parts and equipment shop and coffee shop. Two lead mechanics who assist people who need assistance and a tool loan supervisor.

[memper]

Yep, an adjoining cafe is part of the idea to help with winter costs. There are excellent roasters in Brooklyn and the food/pastries would be supplied from outside vendors.

The mountain looks huge from down here but I really want to do this.

[abby normal]

Make sure you fully investigate the liability insurance issue.

[lightspd]

Sounds like a really good idea.  I was just wishing the other day, we had something like that around here, because I have no place to work on my car or bike and hate having to pay someone to do something I can do.

[cokey]

Sounds like a good idea.  I was looking for something like that for my Lil race car. Instead of trying to dropped the transaction in winter out in the street.  Would you incorporate a space for cars?

I grew up in Williamsburg and live in Bushwick near myrtle/Wyckoff  station.  Not getting a bike till we move  out of ny but I would attend workshops..

[brad black]

they are running them in melbourne and sydney.  kustom kommune and i forget the sydney one.

http://kustomkommune.com.au/

[memper]

Make sure you fully investigate the liability insurance issue.

Without a doubt Abby. Its probably going to be the most hairy part of this, well and then the money aspect. Do banks give $150,000 loans?

[Raux]

Sweden has classic car communes as well

[Raux]

http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/cooperative-garages-mechanic-savings-zmaz71sozgoe.aspx?PageId=1#ArticleContent

[Raux]

Closer to home?

[memper]

What a cool article...

[JohnEE]

There is one in Cali. I can't seem to remember the name...good luck.

[ducpainter]

I'd read this page... http://www.inc.com/graham-rapier/business-lessons-from-car-talk.html

...and go for it.

[HotIce]

I really like the idea.
Many times, when you venture in non trivial DIY jobs, you blast through most of it, and you always have a couple of "hmm, how about this?" moments which make you waste 80% of the time.
Having a skilled tech in the room would allow to save a lot of time, and possibly $$ due to not doing the wrong thing.