Wow, thanks for the kind words. I am just another hack who likes to tinker with things and passes along what info. I think can be helpful because I like to see others succeed and be happy (fulfilled? more content with a production product?).
Yep, wrist is getting better. And it should continue to do so other than lifting the hand in the 'up' position relative to the wrist as I mentioned. Oh well, not a big deal- I <should> be able to ride and operate a clutch correctly.
The thing with motorcycle insurance is that they do not discount or acknowledge mileage, at least a few years ago. That means that those of us who ride a lot really get a break on resale value, at least according to the ins. companies if not the real world of motorcycle selling.
Yeah, I guess if you are familiar with the C-14 and removing the Tupperware 8 hours is possible though on the tight side IMO. I always tell people they should figure on a full weekend, if not a bit more. Besides, this is NOT a job you want to rush, especially around the throttle arm. Beware the old adage: if it can [fail, bind, lock, jam], it will. So extra care if required in the routing of the Rostra cable and the throttle arm attachment. And I always suggest spending some time literally opening and closing the throttle, while trying to get the cable to hook or catch on anything, before calling it a good install. Treat every installation as if the rider's life was in your hands.
As to the money, $50 an hour for a skilled mechanic is very reasonable. But again, I would beware of counting hours because it may make you tend to work a little faster if you see the end of your time envelope approaching and that is not the best way to handle a cruise control IMO. Perhaps a better way of looking at it is: if you get $400 to do an install, and have ample time available, do as good a job as you possibly can and if it goes over some number of hours, so be it. But take pride in the fact that you did your very best and probably did an outstanding job for the customer. I know that don't feed the bulldog but coming up a little short on dollars per hour while providing a valuable and appreciated, top- notch service is far, far better than making the arbitrary hourly rate and risk a come- back or worse, some type of mishap. Trust me- I am not making piles of money on my couple of silly products I sell but I do believe I may have the happiest customer base on the planet, and to the best of my knowledge, I never caused anyone any grief with my trinkets and that is good enough (I am not trying to make a living this way though, more of extending a courtesy to fellow C-14 riders).
Brian
Damn, Brian. Your injury sounds so not fun. Ugh. I'm glad you're getting mostly better.
On another note, You've been a valuable source of information for me over the years, and that is MF priceless. Thanks Brother. That insurance info is very hope inspiring.
I figured about 8 hours of my time for installing My rostra cruise. You think that sounds reasonable? I charge people 50 an hour for my mechanic services. I figure that's my labor rate for insurance payouts, too.