AVB,
My motorcycle mechanic has sworn off doing even engine restorations for customers, for the exact same reason, after getting stuck with one or two. No way to make a worthwhile hourly rate, particularly if any chasing up of rare parts is needed!
Even though he has no shop overheads to speak of [has a big concrete floored shed on his rural block], apart from electricity, just isn't worth doing. And he has a home workshop that's better equipped than any of the local MC shops - up to date Dynojet chassis dyno, lathe/mill, top end tyre changer etc.
