Who can you trust with your P&J? RealClassic readers reveal the top traders who provide sterling service...

Trick Tracker

Please award a large number of stars to Acumen Electronics. Earlier this year I urgently needed a pair of heated handlebar grips. I called Acumen and they in turn phoned around local dealers to find stock and reserve a set for me, and they then called me back. That's pretty good service, but it gets better.

I ordered a BikeBack tracking device on Tuesday this week. Yesterday I had a phone call from Acutrac apologising for the delay sending it out, and that they had encountered some problems with the device and web browser control. Fair enough, I said, thanks for letting me know. But, instead of making me wait until they have the technical problems fixed, they're sending me a tracking device with a much higher specification, for no additional cost. Now that is exceptionally good service.
Mick Hayes

Quick Carb

I ordered some Dell 'Orto carb bits on Monday from Eurocarb. They arrived on the mat today: great service.
Dave C

I agree Eurocarb are excellent but watch out for their post & packing charges. If you're only ordering one or two small carb bits the P&P can be more than the spares!
Will

Hack Rack

I regularly use my bikes rather than keep them for show. Many of the miles involve two-up travel and so a rack, even a small sports rack, is an extremely useful addition for carrying chain, lock, wet weather gear, tools, etc. I just purchased a stainless steel sports rack from D&C Motorcycles in Cowling for my OiF Triumph Trophy.

While a tad on the expensive side it appears to me to have been beautifully fabricated and I was able to fit it easily without reverting to mighty metal bashing tools, scraped knuckles or loss of blood which can often be the norm for aftermarket parts. And that's a recommendation!
Philip Wilmer

Swift Bits

On Good Friday, in high dudgeon, I placed an online order for a few vital bits and bobs to get my Harley (Rotax) MT350 going. At best I figured the order would be looked at this morning (Tuesday) and that I might get the bits on Wednesday. They're on my desk now! Many thanks to Craig and Emma of Apophis Parts.
RichardH

Top Tyres Guys

Full marks to John at Wheel House Tyres, Coleshill, Brum. A ring-around for a new back tyre for the CB500 produced a vast array of complicated deals involving menu pricing of home visits; ride-in/wheel off-bike options; balancing; fitting; valves; wheel inspection; tyre prices, etc, etc. For me the priority is proper fitting of a tyre that's not been on the shelf, or the floor, or in a van for ages; so price comes down the list. All the fancy options simply irritate me, I don't want to be presented with lots of choices when all I want is a bleddy tyre of my chosen make, fitted properly.

I phoned Wheel House Tyres and was amazed to find that John actually asked me what I wanted and then politely checked the fitment to be sure that I did know what I wanted. He then asked when would be convenient for me. As I had to be at the NEC yesterday, he suggested calling in on the way and he would put the tyre to one side for me. Given the excellent service, I have no regrets about changing a tyre that after 20k miles (!) still had almost 1.5mm of tread on the central anti-white-lining groove.

The front tyre still has a long way to go.

Thanks Wheel House Tyres, and thanks Avon for the RoadRider. Oh, and the price was the best price as well!
Bill Nelson

Only Yoking

I've been looking for a pair of fork yokes for a BSA B40, so far without success. Yesterday (around lunch time) I decided to bite the (financial) bullet and order a pair of NOS from Burton Bike Bits. They arrived this morning (9.15am). Can't grumble about that!
Comm748

It's A Blast

Yesterday I dropped my caliper and tool tray in to Unimet Enamellers in Reading at around lunchtime, to have them blast and re-finish them. The caliper in satin, and the tool tray in gloss. This morning at around eleven, I got a call telling me they were ready for collection!
KevinD

Triple Fantastic

I purchased an oil pressure gauge kit from LP Williams about a year ago and on getting around to fitting it last week realised the banjo bolt was missing from the kit. Emailed Phil at Williams and within a day or two free replacement part was on the doormat.

I have used LP Williams for parts a few times now and can thoroughly recommend them.
Clive Dackus

Ariel Experts

I just emailed a question to Draganfly and before I could take another glass of Merlot there was an answer from their computer.
Baz

I tried to buy a fastener from Draganfly a few months ago and was told that it was out of stock and they had no idea when it would be back in stock. I thought that was that. Got a letter through the post last week telling me that the item was at last back in stock. So ten out of ten to them for keeping me in touch.
Dean Brown

Old Fashioned

Two recommendations: Bob Newby for doing some work on my Bullet clutch and charging me next to nothing for doing it. Venhill cables for very quickly sending me the correct throttle cable to replace the one they sent in error.

It's good to see that some people really do provide good old fashioned customer care.
Andy C

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More Service Stars Wanted

Have you enjoyed excellent service from your local bike shop or a national specialist? Don't be shy in sharing the details - your report will help other classic bike riders choose who to use, and will reward good performance with more business.

So send reports to RCHQ @ RealClassic.net and remember to include contact details and plenty of info about what your products or assistance your Service Star can provide.

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