Did you ever have to complete an important complex task, but the complexity paralyzed you? This happened to me with the BMW project. In this post I am going to share 3 easy steps to plan your custom bike project that helped me a lot.
Even before the project really started, I already felt a little overwhelmed by the amount of work it’s going to be. Actually, it wasn’t really the work on the project. But the combination of custom bike, university, and content creation.
But I got it fixed. Today on my way to the workshop to drop off the YZ I listened to an audio book. It is called The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy. The last chapter really sparked something in me. In this chapter Brian talks about goal setting and planning and gives hands on advice on how to effectively use the techniques presented.
3 easy steps for planning your custom bike project
- Write down the clear goal and the corresponding deadline.
- Write down all the tasks necessary to reach that goal.
- Prioritize and order the tasks by maturity.
I had a similar roadblock during the YZ build when I had the bike completely disassembled. I was kind of paralyzed for a few days because there were too many tasks and no clear path that indicated where to start. In that situation it was also planning that helped me to break through the barrier
So, once I got home, I had lunch and sat down to plan the whole custom bike project.
All 3 steps for the BMW Custom Bike project
First: Write down the clear goal and the corresponding deadline.
For the BMW Custom Bike Project that is the following: “Build the perfect Scrambler/Brat custom bike until the 1st of April 2021.”
Second: Write down all the tasks necessary to reach that goal.
Third: Prioritize and order the tasks by maturity.
I have done these tasks one after the other. But for this post I have combined the last two tasks.
Here is my plan
(which is probably not complete…I’ll keep you updated)
Preparation
- Find a motorcycle liking TÜV (German vehicular inspection service) inspector – check
- Set up a meeting with the TÜV inspector to go over the details for the project – check
- Create a compelling brochure for sponsorship inquiries
- Decide exactly which parts to order from the build sheet
- Send out sponsorship inquiries
- Order hand crafted exhaust
- Order all the new parts
- Get videos and pictures from BMW while it’s still complete (for before and after comparison)
- Build a wooden platform for the project
- Contact for quotes:
- painter
- powder coater
- workshops for cylinder honing and engine inspection (for things I don’t want to do myself)
- Organize BMW tank stripes
Raw-Build
Take the BMW apart in preparation for a first raw build
Build the raw build (means…putting together all the parts and make them fit before working on the engine and getting everything painted. That way I can see if everything looks good and goes well together.)
- Building all mounts / brackets and doing all the customization work needed
- Install electrical system (don’t forget USB)
- Build the base plate for the seat
- Build luggage rack
Get parts finished
- Take everything completely apart
- Get the dent in the gas tank beaten out
- Bring parts to powder coater and painter
- Check the engine (and repair if necessary)
- Bring the engine to a specialized workshop for inspection
- Clean the carbs and rebuild with a repair kit
- Bring seat base to upholsterer
- Order custom made fork inlays
- Order custom made carb cap inlays
- Clean all the remaining parts
- Sell unneeded parts on Ebay
- Make TÜV appointment for certification (two weeks notice)
The actual build
(Once everything is back)
- Install new spokes
- Bring rims and tyres to tyre-shop for installation
- Build the bike back up
- Get the bike certified by the TÜV
Alright, there you go. It will be a lot of work, but this helped a lot to get it organized. The trick now is to every day do something that will move me closer to the goal.
What is your goal? Do you have a plan for it? If not check out the book: The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy. And even if you already know everything about goal setting you will definitely discover your own gems in these pages. This book really had an impact on me, which is why I want to recommend it to you.
Have a great one and – Wrench On!!
Joshua
Day 13 of 121
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