Once again, classic bike specialists have come to the rescue of RealClassic readers. Here's the latest reports from real life riders and the traders they recommend...

A Classic Solution

Classic Solutions advertise on here and in the RealClassic mag. After no end of trouble with an electrical distributor, I phoned them and spoke with Keith the owner. Keith could not have been more helpful and gave me good advice and help. As I was truly at my wit's end with the wretched thing he suggested I posted it to him for test and repair. He repaired it, overhauled it and replaced a faulty condenser - and sent it back by return post!

The price was just the cost of the replacement part. This amazingly fast service is in spite of him having a two or three month backlog of work. Now the distributor is fitted and the bike running the best it's ever done -- at least in the 12 years I've owned it. No connection with the firm other than a delighted customer.

Harry

Classic Solutions: www.classicsolutionsuk.com
Tel: 01207 299020

QuickThreads

I ordered a kit of cycle thread helicoils from Uni-Thread just after lunch yesterday, and it arrived this morning. Brilliant! Really helpful chap on the phone, too.

Graham W

Uni-Thread: www.uni-thread.com

Bushes and Bobbins

I would like to nominate Hawkshaw Motorcycles for the service stars award. I ordered swinging arm bushes and bobbins for my T160 at 4pm on a Monday afternoon and they were delivered at 10am the next day. (I suppose I should also congratulate the Post Office for their level of service too!)

In addition their web page is well laid out and easy to navigate. All in, an excellent company and service.

Paul Wilkinson

Hawkshaw Motorcycles: 0151 931 4488

Bearing Up

Please can I recommend simplybearings.co.uk? They stock a massive range of bearings and seals. They accept credit cards and Paypal online. Their website is easy to use. Their delivery is next day and postage costs are at basic, non-profit making prices. They have also phoned me with assistance when I have enquired via email about odd-sized oil seals for the Adlers, then sent me documentation showing unusual oil seals that their website might not show but they can also supply. So I've found that it's always worth contacting them; just in case, because chances are they can still supply what you need.

The Jawa wheel bearings that I ordered late yesterday afternoon were on my doormat this afternoon when I woke up (still on nights), all for less than £15 delivered. I even had the option of purchasing open cage or fully sealed bearings (metal or rubber seal options available), so I bought the metal sealed ones that don't require greasing, EVER!

I've used this company on a regular basis and they've never failed to be less than excellent every single time.

Phil Speakman

Simply Bearings: www.simplybearings.co.uk

Wheely Good Bloke

I'd like to recommend Mike Wheeler at Wheelers Motorcycles in Exmouth. Mike has recently re-established his business after several years doing other things. I took my tatty A10 to him for a full restoration and rebuild about three months ago. He discussed everything with me at every stage so I was as much part of the process as I chose to be. I'm really happy with the results, and the completely sensible price. Thoroughly recommended - a really sound guy.

Phil Shepperd

Wheelers' Motorcycles: 01395 276234

Carb Star

I would like to recommend Martyn Bratby for Amal carburettor reconditioning. I have had 3 carbs reconditioned over the last couple of years by Martyn, Amal 376 monoblocs for my A10, Amal 376 for my Mountain Cub and recently a 76 pre-monobloc for my Norton Model 7. All three have been returned in an as-new condition and work perfectly at a cost that is far less than buying a new replacement.

Martyn also deals in replacement brake shoes and springs for stands or shoes. In all a great help in keeping the old bikes going and is highly recommended.

Jon Davies

Martyn Bratby: 01543 572583

Sparky!

I ordered some spark plugs online for my Zed from these people. The plugs arrived this morning as ordered and cheaper than I could get them locally. They also e-mailed to say they had been posted. Great service!

Kevin

Spark Plugs Ltd: www.spark-plugs.co.uk

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.