Can you recommend a classic bike specialist who provides excellent service, time after time? RC readers reveal who they choose to use, and why...
ACE CLASSICS
During a recent makeover of a '54 Triumph T110 I had reason to use Ace Classics. Not only was the service fast and professional, and the blokes on the other end of the phone knew what I was talking about, the quality of the parts they supplied was top drawer. Email info@aceclassics.co.uk
Quaffmeister
BEEP BEEP
I wanted a shiny new horn for my Chang Jiang and got excellent service and good price from Paul Goff (www.norbsa02.freeuk.com).
Actually the horn and postage was still cheaper than another well known electrical supplier would have sold an identical horn for and then added VAT and post on top!
Fiery Fred
PUKKA PUB
I stayed at The Crown at Walton (between Old and New Radnor) on A44. It's no longer a Thai restaurant, the new owners Alison, Linda, Sheila and Phil offer trad English food and fine Real Ale in a proper family owned and run pub. A couple of jars of the 'Rev.' relaxed me nicely.
The family offer a proper bike-friendly welcome and beds at £28 per person with no single supplement. They link up with an adjacent camping and caravan site, too. Tel 01544 350663.
A65Bill
JEAN GENIES
I recommend Hood Motorcycle Jeans. The company provided excellent service last Christmas/New Year period), by raising and resolving a query concerning the correct size and colour of jeans to be supplied to me and processing and delivering the order in a very short time.
Seems to be a small family concern who take a pride in their work and products. I am very pleased with their professional service and product, (having used the jeans regularly to ride. Not crash tested)!
Bob Williams
CLASSIC CHALETS
On a recent French trip, we stayed at La Rosier with Liz and Graeme, who have two chalets which they let out. The chalets are fully kitted out and very comfortable (and Graeme subscribes to RealClassic!). The area around the chalets is fairly quiet -- just imagine -- you could be sipping champagne, sitting outside the chalet, listening to various birds singing and the lambs bleating, and reading your favourite magazine supplied by the owners! The area is full of great biking roads and it is rare to see something in the rear view mirror once you are off the main roads. See www.larosierelogcabins.com
Roy & Chris Workman
SWIFT SILENCER
On a Friday, late in the afternoon I ordered an exhaust system from Armours for my Triumph T160. Bearing in mind they probably didn't process my order until the Monday, and the fact that they quoted me 7 to 10 days for delivery, I was pleasantly surprised to receive it just six days later.
The system was very well packaged, and the quality of both the stainless and the chrome is excellent. I would have no hesitation in using their services again. Well done Armours!
Nick Phillips
SPORT AT SCARBOROUGH
I went to the Gold Cup races at Scarborough on Sunday and the marshalls were absolutely brilliant. What a display of fine, on the spot work they did.
Each time a rider had the misfortune to crash they were instantly on the flags, which I may add were shown well before the actual incident. We came away from the meeting feeling so happy and pleased at a great days racing. My hat is off to the Auto 66 Club; www.auto66.com
Phil Clark
AMC IN ACTION
I called AMC spares yesterday at 2.30 to get a gasket set and lo and behold on my mat this afternoon I found one complete, correct, nicely packaged gasket set. Now that I call bloody marvellous.
BikerMarc
KWIK KWAK
There's a company I have used a couple of times now for parts for my KZ650. They are called Z-Power, and are based somewhere oop norf so have a funny accent, but they also have that old style good service and are very helpful on the phone.
Old Kawasaki parts are getting harder to find, some bits are almost impossible, but Z-Power have a lot of the stuff you need and get it too you quick, well packed, and without ripping you off with high prices and postage costs. See www.z-power.co.uk
Kevin
SPEEDY SHOPPING
For newer (Far Eastern) machines in my shed, Paul Smeeton's Bitz for Bikes (www.bitzforbikes.co.uk) has proved speedy and reliable for internet shopping for consumables - batteries and tyres.
FerG3
FIRST CHOICE
I would like to put forward Stuart Motorcycles at Huntspill, (near Bridgwater) in Somerset. Always a happy service and has done his best to provide me with both Triumph and Norton spares. He has been my major spares provider for 15 years and is always my first choice to try and source spares.
Dave Weston
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TOP LOCKS
Today I had occasion to visit our local locksmith. Apart from being able to able to help me with what I wanted he does many items that are well suited to our hobby. These include garage door security which is a pair of locks capable of being fitted to any garage door that is less than 38mm in thickness. This includes wooden side hung and aluminium up and over doors.
Also stocked are ground anchors, high security square section chain and padlocks as well as square section chain in 2 metre lengths. These are all covered to prevent scratching of paintwork etc. Another thing he can do is cut keys from a key number on a great number of motorcycles and if necessary keys can be cut to an ignition lock if they have been totally lost. If a number is given the key can be cut from that as well.
Apart from this virtually all aspects of physical home security are stocked or available to order. Their name is: Locks of Keys, 01366 385858 and ask for Steve or Phil.
David A
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Random Locks and Chains on eBay.co.uk
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WHEELY QUICK
I recently had two wheels for a Sunbeam S8 rebuilt by Spokes Motorcycle Wheel Rebuilding, based at Bedwas near Caerphilly. I dropped off the wheels, hubs and they were ready about five hours later. The care and attention that he took over these was excellent. Tel 02920 861452 or 07974 384427.
Dougal Burns
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 the fabulously delicious Typing Person (TP@RealClassic.co.uk) who will knock them into shape - don't worry about writing great literature because she'll sort out full stops and such as she goes. But do include contact details and plenty of info about what your products or assistance your Service Star can provide.
