Anyone build in a basement???

[Motojoe2492]

I have yet to post a lot about my new '83 G 850.

Mostly because I have been too busy riding it!

The question I have is something I hope can be answered: has anyone found a way to move a bike in and out of a basement for restoration?
I am in the process of buying a house and all seems to be going well. The downside to this house it that there is no garage or shed to speak of. The basement ,however, is quite large and even has room for a paint booth! Getting the bike in won't be terrible seeing as how I planned on taking it down in pieces, but after the paint and polish, I would like to reassemble before riding season hits.

So in the end, all I need is advice. Thanks for reading!

-Joe

 

[Vmass]

Pictures would be helpful, showing the current access, from both inside and out.

 

[Eli69]

if you have the means a bilco door might work.

 

[Joe Garfield]

I would look into getting/building a shed. I have a shed in the back that I keep my ride-on mower in. It's plenty big enough to work on the mower and store some extra stuff, it would be enough to work on a bike as well. I believe it's 8x12 and has a gambrel (barn) roof.

 

[Motojoe2492]

I have literally just started the buying process and don't have pictures of the entry to the basement yet. Instead of having a bulkhead, it's actually got an entry door and decent stairwell into it. (Sorry, not sure how else to describe it) the reason I am thinking the basement is because of the finances and the projected tightness after buying a house, most likely will not support a she before winter.

What is a bilco?

 

[Motojoe2492]

Alright, I see a bilco is a company who makes bulkheads, yes? Haha

 

[tkent02]

I'm assuming there are stairs involved? Two or three big friends and a come along, no problem.

You might want to leave the painted parts off until it's back topside.

 

[thebusdweller]

Tkent- one smart man!

 

[Cipher]

What sort of staircase is in place that can take the weight of a dynamic load consisting of a bike and three or more handlers?
Best I think to work on subsystems and lift them out one at a time.

 

[Guest]

I'm assuming there are stairs involved? Two or three big friends and a come along, no problem.

You might want to leave the painted parts off until it's back topside.

A few ramp boards and a winch. And some handlers

 

[Burque73]

What sort of staircase is in place that can take the weight of a dynamic load consisting of a bike and three or more handlers?
Best I think to work on subsystems and lift them out one at a time.

Good question! Here's a good bit of info on the construction of typical staircases.

http://www.structuremag.org/?p=916

In it, there is mention of two fireman carrying a person from a home and the stairs fail. Weight comparison to two or three people and one 500+ pound bike. So many questions about how they're built to determine their load capacity, read that article and be careful.

Then fire safety. You've probably considered this but here's my two cents on it. Garages are required to have 5/8" fire resistant drywall on the common wall to the dwelling. The door (and frame) to the garage is a 20 minute fire rated type with self closing hinges. I've asked fireman and these things do make a difference. Typical interior drywall is 1/2" and will burn through in 30 min or so. 5/8" (type X), which is more dense and has added fibers for strength, will take about an hour. Of course there are many other factors like penetrations in the ceiling and walls etc. Have extinguishers handy! Those rags with oils and solvents can just ignite. It seems you're interested in painting in there too. I personally would not want that underneath my family. How about the smell of gasoline or gear oil drifting up into the kitchen, umm yummy!

There's a thread somewhere that has pics of a rebuild in an apartment. The member had the space equivalent to a walk in closet.

You asked for advice, hope this helps you!

Roger

 

[chuck hahn]

Strip some 1/4 inch plywood and nail to the steps when youre ready to roll it up from below.

 

[Guest]

I screwed a couple of 2x12's to the treads. It helps distribute the weight some and makes it a little easier. You will need a few sets of hands though as it is very easy to crush exhaust headers going over the threshold.( don't ask me how I know) Those stairs had 3- 2x12 stringers and weight didn't seem to be a issue.

 

[Motojoe2492]

Mainiac!!! Check your pm!!!

 

[mnferwerda]

Working in the basement

Working in the basement

I've put my bike in the basement the last 2 winters. I used my motorcycle ramp for the trailer and some assistants to get it in and out.

Be sure to ventilate well if you are working with solvents.

 

[GateKeeper]

I built both my bikes in my basement, just don't fully assemble, and you can get the frame out with the help of a friend, I had everything bolted on except the rims/tires and engine. Once the frame was back in the garage those parts were put on and final assembly took place, have a look at my rebuild threads.

cheers

 

[bonanzadave]

Im guessing you guys are not married.....

 

[GateKeeper]

I am, even had the sons help in getting the bikes out of the basement when the time came. All the dirty work was done in the garage, the clean work was done in the basement. Actually the painting of the frame on the Yamaha was done in the basement. And before anyone asks, yes the basements were finished....

 

[Motojoe2492]

Alright, I haven't had much time to thoroughly respond (at all) but will try to tonight.

Dave, I am also married, and we're trying for our first baby together. My daughter is turning 6 in a few days, and my wife is her second mama. She also is the one who made it possible for me to get the GS! She's the best wife in the world!

Gatekeeper, this basement is unfinished so I intend on setting up a plastic enclosure with proper ventilation out the window or stairwell (whichever is easier). Then I could assemble it above ground like you did. How did you paint in a finished basement?!?

 

[edgeofvamp]

Regardless of what you do, where are you going to store it after putting that much effort into it.
Just bite the bullet and get a shed and break the bike down into parts in the shed and then bring them to the basement as you work on it.

Couple of cheap ideas for you: (donate plasma to places life biolife and save up the money to pay for one of these like a friend of mine did)
10x8 7" roof line at center $504 plus base/floor
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Arrow-Dakota-10-ft-x-8-ft-Steel-Shed-DK108/100151102
10x12 6'5" roof line at center $428 plus base/floor
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Arrow-Newport-10-ft-x-12-ft-Metal-Shed-NP101267/202537957
10x12 6'9"" roof line at center $577 plus base/floor
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Arrow-Arlington-10-ft-x-12-ft-Metal-Storage-Building-AR1012/100019960