Yam_Tech314's official build thread

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Can I just swap the disc to the other side and turn the wheel around to be the right fit??
What about the speedometer drive ...
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Lol oof... I deserved that one. Hahaha

I think I'll try to shame them into fixing it like Raymond said... I'm just hesitant to do so because if how poorly I've been served there in the past. I DID buy my rebel from the local Honda dealership, they might be willing to help me out. I'll keep you guys posted and let you know what I come up with!
 
Been busy moving... Going to hopefully have the bike at the new place before too long. I'm deciding whether a covered porch is good enough storage, or if I want a storage unit... I sacrifice a garage in the move, but saved $400/month on rent...

I feel like the only reason this project has taken so long is because every minor change in my life costs money, or time. I guess thats life... Just wish I could have it done.
 
Life Update: Unfortunately there isn't much to report in motorcycle progress, but it is in its new home, and staying dry from direct moisture. It's still subject to humidity, and that doesn't make me very happy, but it's going to have to be good enough for the time being.

The new job is ass cheeks. Not in a good way. (Bet you never thought ass cheeks could be bad!) It's repetitive to the point that a monkey could do it with one hand, and they'd rather me work harder, not smarter.

I've been there a month and a week, and I've already applied to 2 new jobs. One being a motorcycle technician at a shop in Fayetteville, PA. It's a Kawasaki Yamaha dealership, so if things go my way I'll be much happier in no time. I'd likely be able to convince the shop manager to keep the XS there and work on it after hours, not to mention access to better tools, and a lift (hopefully)

I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high, but that's hard to do when my current job sucks this much.

In other news, I AM happy that I save so much with rent being $400 less than usual. However, there's a lot of start up costs to moving to a new home... Including a security deposit on electric bill (I didn't even know that was a thing) being $250 due up front on top of the actual bill, a $290 speeding ticket for doing 77 in a 40... And not receiving my first weeks pay for over a month. I haven't progressed with the bike for all the reasons mentioned above. It's harder than I thought it'd be to hit the ground running. Hell, I didn't even hit the ground ROLLING. I hit it with my feet and hands tied together

I'll keep trucking along and a month from now I'll have plenty of excess funds. Then we'll be in good shape.
 
The new job is repetitive to the point that a monkey could do it with one hand, and they'd rather me work harder, not smarter.

You still welding? Many of my welding jobs involved just burning rod all day long. I did a stint as a pipe welder for a year, there were pipe fitters working ahead of me , setting up all the joints and doing all the layout. My job was to show up , put my hood down and burn rod until the sun set. Nothing exciting but it payed the bills. :shrug:
 
You still welding? Many of my welding jobs involved just burning rod all day long. I did a stint as a pipe welder for a year, there were pipe fitters working ahead of me , setting up all the joints and doing all the layout. My job was to show up , put my hood down and burn rod until the sun set. Nothing exciting but it payed the bills. :shrug:

I'm not. I'm in an assembly line job building modular homes. Basically, I nail the same pieces of wood together all day, one after another for eight hours. Five days a week. 5am start time, 1:30pm leave time. The hours sound good, but waking up even earlier than I used to is tough. Especially when I know what I have to look forward to all day. I'd much rather be a tech at a shop than do what I do now. I also do really miss welding.
 

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I've been there a month and a week, and I've already applied to 2 new jobs. One being a motorcycle technician at a shop in Fayetteville, PA. It's a Kawasaki Yamaha dealership, so if things go my way I'll be much happier in no time. I'd likely be able to convince the shop manager to keep the XS there and work on it after hours, not to mention access to better tools, and a lift (hopefully)

Sounds like you'll be a lot happier & more settled if you can land that one.
 
Sounds like you'll be a lot happier & more settled if you can land that one.

I'm really trying. I sent them a message last night to ensure that they know I'm highly interested in being a part of their service team. I'll likely call them within the next few days to see if I can get them to give me a shot at it. In trying not to be a pest, but I want to seem interested and committed.
 
So, I'm going to be scheduled for an interview at Motomember. I hope to get a job as a technician but they're opening a new location so there are multiple jobs available. From service tech, to salesman, to parts guy, or service writer.

I NEED ADVICE.

As someone who is passionate about the world of motorcycles, I feel I have what it takes to do either of these jobs (aside from sales but I'd be willing to learn...) I want to hear from you all, if you don't mind. After all, most of you have a few more years of life experience under your belt. I've never felt like this... What I mean is: I've never really WANTED to work somewhere before. Every job until this point has more or less been to learn, or to make ends meet. Stepping stones if you will. So. I'm all ears. If anyone has worked in the motorcycle sales/service industry, enlighten me with your wisdom, and experience. Help me out!!! In return, I'll mail you a keychain or sticker if I get the job :laugh:
 
Don't stop learning, no matter what job you get. There are always people who can teach you something new or help you improve on the things you already know. Every opportunity is a chance to expand your knowledge. And who knows, you might discover a new passion that you haven't even considered at this point in your life. Good luck!!
 
Don't stop learning, no matter what job you get. There are always people who can teach you something new or help you improve on the things you already know. Every opportunity is a chance to expand your knowledge. And who knows, you might discover a new passion that you haven't even considered at this point in your life. Good luck!!
Yeah, that’s the best advice. Pigeon hole yourself and you’ll get buy. Learn all you can and as many jobs as you can. Starting as a tech is as good or better place as any.
 
It's a difficult one - often been said that if you really want a job and come across as desperate at the interview, no chance. Maybe best to go in there and talk straight - want to work here, and your reasons*, able and willing to fill any of those roles, so give me a try and you won't be disappointed. And ask them questions, show interest in their business, tell them how you can help them move it forward.

*it's a change of direction for me, and this is why I'm making the change . . . be positive.

Their customers are bikers and they want to employ people who understand and love bikes.
 
As someone that's hired (and fired) many, many employees over the years, here's what I look for
(This is not a complete list, but a good baseline I work from):
1) Passion & Drive- You can't teach this...you either have it or you don't. I don't want someone that just wants to clock-in/clock-out...period.
2) Willingness to learn/grow- much like passion. If you're set in your ways or you're probably not going to work out.
3) Able to contribute- "bring something special/unique to the job" How are you different than everybody else? Can you expand your skill set, take on new tasks, expand your position...can you grow with the company as we may need to in the future.
4) Accountable- everyone will make mistakes, how do you learn from those to be better/improve and take ownership of those mistakes
5) Responsible- can you commit to the role, "own" every aspect and "show up".
6) Personal awareness- do you know yourself, who you are, and what you stand for? Are you able to see your strengths and more importantly, your weaknesses so you can ASK for help when needed?
7) Communication- can you effectively share your thoughts, concerns, needs/wants in a positive/supportive/impactful way with colleagues, managers, and customers, etc.

Of course this is specific to my industry...but I think these attributes cross over to many positions/roles/jobs.

As an employer my view has always been to support professional development...this job may or may not be a long-term career for this particular person, but if they can leave here being better, more capable, much stronger than when they started, I did my job. As an employee...same thing. Otherwise, you're wasting your time.

Good luck!
 
Had my interview today at 11:30 I showed up early, and got to sit down at 11:20 with the service manager that interviewed me. The interview went on til 12:45. I'm hoping that's a good thing. He had plenty of questions regarding my know-how with certain mechanical tasks such as shim under bucket valve systems, leak down testing, fuel pump volume tests, etc. I built a well rounded portfolio showcasing my experience and knowledge using the XS650 build for reference. I used pictures of my build process and it seemed to be a useful tool in my portfolio. I'm going to hopefully be scheduled for a second interview within a weeks time. I'm looking forward to it, and hoping to get a job offer.

I left feeling like the experience was almost entirely positive. I was able to answer most of his skills questions, and I was 100% honest, and true to myself, and him. Here's to hoping guys!!!

Also, thanks for all the advice!!!
 
Had my interview today at 11:30 I showed up early, and got to sit down at 11:20 with the service manager that interviewed me. The interview went on til 12:45. I'm hoping that's a good thing. He had plenty of questions regarding my know-how with certain mechanical tasks such as shim under bucket valve systems, leak down testing, fuel pump volume tests, etc. I built a well rounded portfolio showcasing my experience and knowledge using the XS650 build for reference. I used pictures of my build process and it seemed to be a useful tool in my portfolio. I'm going to hopefully be scheduled for a second interview within a weeks time. I'm looking forward to it, and hoping to get a job offer.

I left feeling like the experience was almost entirely positive. I was able to answer most of his skills questions, and I was 100% honest, and true to myself, and him. Here's to hoping guys!!!

Also, thanks for all the advice!!!
If you can be true to yourself and the interviewer that's a good thing. He will feel that and it will go a long way. I have found it's better to undersell yourself than oversell your self. Sure if you embellish everything you may get the job. If you can't live up to the hype your on the street on your ass.
Good lucks!
 
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