Motorcycle repair - shady tree mechanic

[toastygw.livejournal.com]

I'm looking for any recommendations for motorcycle repair near davis - I've taken my bike to Greater Boston Motorsports in Arlington in the past and feel that they generally do a reasonable job but they're pricy and they usually have a waiting list so the bike's in the shop for at least a few days if not longer.

I'm hoping to find someone who can come to my place and fix the bike in the driveway - at the moment it needs to have the carburators cleaned and rebuilt - something I've been told is relatively easy on this bike but I've never done it.

Thanks

Comments

[library-sexy.livejournal.com]

Can you give some details on the kind of bike as many of the shops are specialized by bike type.

To get you started there is:
Aero Cycle (HD Ball Sq.)
Riverside (Union Sq.)

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

I'm in Belmont...I usually go to Bikeworx (http://www.bikeworx.com) in Maynard. Very far afield but they're good and they're cheaper than the dealer.

This area suffers a dearth of good motorcycle repair shops. :-( The other alternative is to try doing it yourself.

Question: why do you believe the carbs need rebuilding? Did it sit for a while with old gas in it? Often people--including many professional mechanics--say "it's the carbs" when in fact there is some other fundamental issue wrong with the bike like bad compression, valves out of adjustment, or an ignition problem.

Finally, there's lots of Boston-area folks over at motorcycles...that might be a better place to ask.

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

I agree with you about Greater Boston Motorsports-- they're competent but very expensive. And *always* get a written estimate.

You might try looking on the Craigslist Motorcycles forum if one doesn't turn up here. If you get a manual and DIY they're often handy with advice as well.

[ron_newman]

Riverside Motorsports, formerly Riverside Kawasaki, is in Union Square. I know nothing more about them.

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

Riverside are also competent and friendly, but also not cheap. The two shops tend to service different brands: If you've got a Honda, BMW, or Suzuki, you're probably best going to GBM. If you've got a Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph, or Hyosung, you're going to want to go over to Riverside.

I assume you could get most basic services done at either place, but they'll be best stocked for and most familiar with the brands they sell and service most commonly.

[coorr.livejournal.com]

I strongly second the recommendation of Aero Cycle in Ball sq (and I should have known that library_sexy would have already mentioned it). They are not super cheep but they seem to do very good work and I have always been very pleased with the quality of service I have received there. They are friendly, they explain everything they are doing and all of the recommendations I have received from them have been well worth the money I have invested.

I'm not sure where you would find a mechanic that would come to your house and fix up your bike on the cheep but if you find one, be sure to post about it.