N+1 or N-1?

[Dave DRZ]

I've always liked the formula for calculating the number of bikes you needs as N+1 where N is the number of bikes you already have. If I had a bigger garage there would always be a need for more bikes (thumbs)

But I spent time with my brother in law this weekend in his (to me at least) nightmare garage, where he has too many projects on the go, and think he need N-1, or even N-4 projects

I didn't take any photos I'm afraid, but from memory he has:
A new (to him) Pan European with handlebar vibration issues
A VFR 750 that works, but only because he fitted a new engine a few months ago, the old engine is sat on a bench, waiting to be fixed and sold on
A BMW funduro, that he bought as a commuter when swapping the VFR engine, he thought it was very tired and needed fettling before selling on, so he's stripped it down, took the engine out, wheels off, tank, plastics, lights.... The bike is on a ramp, the bits piled up on a bench in the corner
There's a frame on wheels, a small Suzuki of some sorts, it was the second bike he ever owned, and he bought it for £80 on eBay, and an engine to go in it for £30
Then, his pride and joy, 4 (or more) Fire Blades, in various states of dis-repair.
The first covered in dust has obviously had a crash, he says it's a quick fix, he has the parts, but that it is fourth in the queue to be fixed. The dust suggests it been there for some time
The second works but he says its Euro spec and is worth more with a UK spec frame(£600 more), so sat at the side of it is a UK spec frame, his plan to transfer everything from the Euro bike to the UK bike.
The third needs new plastics - which he has collected, but not fitted
No idea what was wrong with the fourth, but it hasn't been on the road for a few years
His second shed has an assortment of parts for future Fireblades projects

He has no idea when he's going to get round to doing these projects (he's got 3 kids under 6 and a ramshackle house to look after) but he thinks there is profit in them all - especially the Fireblades that he thinks will fund the kids through uni - he thinks they will be the next generation's Brough Superior.

So, if the correct number of bikes needed in a garage N+1, what is the correct number of projects to have? P-1? P-4?

How many have you got in your garage, and what are your plans?

Dave

[Brenhden]

When I see unfinished projects on eBay I always think that I would die of shame admitting I'd turned a bike into parts and couldn't put it right.

The number of bikes I own is directly proportional to the space I have space in my workshop. I have to be able to walk round each of them. On top of that only one can be a non runner at a time.

That workshop does sound like a nightmare, also the second shed is a rightoff.

[johnnyboxer]

Having a garage like that is a nightmare

My OCD would kick in & take it all to the tip

All mine are working and ready to go or SORNed

[AndyB]

I've run out of space so really need to sell something if I want to start another project.

As it stands regarding what I'd call projects I've got the following:

Kawasaki 750 H2 which is road legal and complete but I've got a genuine headlight and brackets waiting to go on when I get a few days slack time at work.

Laverda Montjuic which is complete but needs an mot test and it's got a slight leak at the front of the cylinder base gasket so I know I should drop the engine but can't be bothered at the moment and it'll get done when it gets worse.

Norton Commando 850 which needs the cylinder head putting back on it then setting up but I'm having problems making my mind up whether to keep the oversized Amals plus K&N filter or go back to 100% standard. The bike has been a full on ground up nut & bolt rebuild which was fun to do but I don't really want to keep it and can't get up the enthusiasm to do the work.

Ducati 350 which is mainly in boxes at Mikeys place but there's space for it when it comes home.

That's on top of the KTM 1190 Adventure and Tenere outfit that I also own and the Yamaha Tracer, Yamaha RD350LC, Ducati 916 and Aprillia RS250 the wife owns.

[bowber]

I feel positively organised with all 3 of my bikes as runners, 2 on the road and one sorned awaiting sale.
My sons Derbi Senda 50 is in need of some TLC before it gets sold and he has an 850 mini that's completely in bits down to it's shell but their not mine so don't count even though they're taking up space in my workshop

I could easily get into that state though with a bit less organisation.

Steve

[boatman]

:woohoo: it's bad enough keeping all the parts in order and remembering how it all works on ONE project,,sounds like a nightmare to me

[Dave DRZ]

I've got three bikes. Two are on the road and in use, the 3rd hasn't been touched for over 12 months, but I'm mindful to get it ready for use this winter to save my f800gs from rotting. I'd like a trials bike to play with occasionally and I'd like a project - I fancy a classic / vintage dirt bike to tinker with... One project would be enough for me (thumbs)

Dave

[outrunner]

I have 3 bikes on the road and 1 on sorn. Looking for a new winter project,so 1 of them will have to go soon.


Andy.