No but it may help! This is exactly what the workshop is designed for, to do what you already know, or to learn new skills and how to maintain your bike yourself. Through the community spirit at That Bike Place, you will be able to share knowledge, experience and skills with other users.
About Us
That Bike Place is an independent family run Do It Yourself motorbike service/repair workshop. Our principle is a community of people all doing the same thing you are – fixing their motorbike. Gone are the days when you had to 'tinker away' in the front garden or the side of the road in the wind and the rain. Here at That Bike Place, we are warm, dry and secure.
The motorbike is what brings us all together at That Bike Place and we work hard to make sure people feel safe and valued. That Bike Place is not a traditional garage in that nobody is permitted to work as a mechanic and take any form of payment for work performed. We have recommended garages we can send you should you get in over your head.
The Garage
That Bike Place is nearly 1700 square feet of heaven! There are separate bays and extra open space for you to work within. We have 230v outlets, airlines in several locations that can be pulled to any bay, free music playing, refrigerators for your food/non-alcoholic beverages (there's even a free coffee/tea station!) and clean toilets.
Each work bay is equipped with all the basic tools you'll need to accomplish most tasks on your motorbike.
Every bay is essentially set up the same, so it doesn't matter which bay you get each time you come in to work on your bike.
All bays have a bike lift including tie down straps and a wheel chock to safely keep your bike elevated while you work. There are spanners, socket sets (metric and imperial) and other hand tools, as well as paddock stands, a tyre fitting machine, parts washers and buffer.
Some of the specialty tools require training before you are permitted to use them.
If you need it and we haven't got it – tell us, you never know we may get it!
"From Tinkerers to Fanatics, That Bike Place is the perfect community space."
Andy Le Cheminant - Founder
How It Works
We offer hourly, daily and 5-day options.
Contact us via our website or by email to book your bay or for further enquiries.
The workshop is internally covered by CCTV and locked and secured at 9pm every night. If you wish to work later than 9pm this will be at the workshop managers discretion and will attract an extra charge.
Rags, safety glasses, zip ties, WD40 and the like will be provided BUT must be returned to where they live when you've finished with them.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any of these facilities to under 18s unless accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times (Please note - this too is at the workshop manager's discretion).
THE BIG NO-NOs!
- Leaving a bench and bay unusable for others – keep them clean and tidy
- Bringing your own tools
- Bringing extra bikes in without paying
- Not putting tools back so others have to spend time searching for them
- Alcohol/smoking within the premises
- Talking politics
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need any experience to use the space?
Do you have all the tools I'll need?
Hopefully, yes. We have almost every tool you'll need, however there are always exceptions. If there is something that we don't have and we feel it will bring value to the workshop tell us. We may even purchase it.
What do I need to get/do before I start using the workshop?
A comprehensive workshop manual for your specific model of bike is always a good way to go. You must complete a workshop induction to make sure you know how to use the workshop safely (to please our insurance man and comply with Health & Safety requirements) then you are good to go.
You can use the workshop during opening hours which are listed on the website.
Thanks, got all that but where do I start?
For first time 'fettlers' we suggest you start small and allow yourself plenty of time for your first session. Think about doing one task at a time to build your knowledge of the bike mechanics, things like; bleeding the brake lines, checking the oil, replacing clutch cables or whatever you need.
Is there anything I can't do in the workshop?
You can't constantly run your bike in the workshop. A quick start-up to check smooth running is acceptable however we may ask you to take it outside or switch off if running too long. You can't paint, unfortunately we do not have those facilities (yet!). Nearly everything else you can do, depending on your skills and commitment.
Watch this space!!!
A maximum of two people are permitted in each bay at a time and this will be at the workshop manager's discretion.
Do you provide all consumables (oil, cable ties, nuts and bolts, grease, chain cleaner etc)?
We provide some consumables such as cable ties, chain cleaner, WD40. You should expect to provide specific items for your bike such as parts, nuts and bolts, electrical terminals, electrical wire etc.
If I need to store my bike, is this an option?
Your bike can only stay in the workshop overnight etc if you book more than a day i.e. 2 days, weekly (or monthly if you wish).
It is recommended that you book to ensure you get the time you want without interruption, however, drop ins are always welcome pending availability.
Can I get my parts delivered to the workshop?
Yes, you can but please liaise with the workshop manager before you order them.
What if I can't finish what I start/get stuck?
We have many mechanic friends we can recommend taking your bike to and help you.
No, we can't but we will cheer you on and support you.
Email us your pics at [email protected]
Contact Us
To book a space in the garage or to simply ask a question, please email us using the secure form below.
Unit 7, The Yard, Guelles Lane, Guernsey, GY1 2RA