Are you looking for a classic bike specialist who goes the extra mile and charges a fair price? RC readers recommend their top traders...

Excellent Exhaust

I have just had two exhaust pipes purpose made for my John Player works Norton production racer replica and would like to say what an excellent job this company did. They were helpful and friendly and the charge was very reasonable. I would thoroughly recommend them:

Allden Exhausts, Unit 4, Newtoft Business Park, Newtoft, Market Rasen, Lincs. LN8 3WA. Tel: 01673 8622286.

Ken Rawlinson

Super Sparks

I'd like to give a big thank you to Kirby Rowbotham. I purchased a Pazon electronic ignition system for my BSA A65, direct from the manufacturer in New Zealand. On fitting and after various checks and re-checks I could not get any sparks.

I phoned Kirby (the UK agent for Pazon) who said 'I'll you a replacement when my next order arrives from Pazon.' BUT I told him I hadn't bought it from him. 'No problem' was his reply, 'send yours to me, I'll check and if it's no good return it to Pazon.'

True to his word the new module arrived, is fitted and running. He would not take any payment of any kind. Again; a very big thank you again Kirby! Tel 01889 584758

Dave Evans

Enfield Excellence

Full marks to Hitchcocks Motorcycles. I placed an online order at 1.13pm yesterday and package has arrived just in the last half hour, before 10am. You can't get better than that!

Tel 01564 783192

LJ

Bonnie Bits From Canada

Wolfgang Haerter of the Columbia Car and Cycle company supply spares for Laverdas. Wolfgang supplied a locking stainless petrol tank cap for my Triumph T140, which is fitted with the later Laverda tank. Excellent chap, excellent service from across the water. It looks tops too!

Email laverda@lightspeed.ca

Simon

Top eBay Trader

I would like to recommend an eBay seller who trades as empirespares1 and this is the reason. Having recently purchased a 1951 Norton ES2 (with a rebuilt 1939 engine) I started to experience intermittent sparks when cold. After much trial and error I deduced it was in fact the magneto pick up breaking down.

A quick look at the spares book identified the correct part for the Lucas MO1 magdyno was Lucas 463066 and my usual spares source didn't have them so I went onto eBay, where a couple of people were selling them.

empirespares1 listed the correct Lucas part number as suitable for Norton ES2 but mentioned Mag K1F/K2F. Still, it stated 'direct replacement for part LU 463066' so I bought it. In no time at all it had arrived first Class mail as stated. Great! I would be able to start the Norton with confidence. BUT it didn't fit -- the locating spigot was too small.

I contacted the seller who immediately replied saying that whilst he had not stated it was suitable for the MO1 he had checked the Lucas catalogue and it did quote that part number for my magdyno. So the info was wrong, but if I returned it he would be happy to exchange it. It was sent back on the 19th and the correct replacement arrived on the 23rd, with a note saying 'as promised - sorry for the confusion.'

This certainly is excellent service. It was clearly not the seller's error but one relating to Lucas and Norton spares books quoting the wrong part number -- so Norton ES2 owners BEWARE; your pick up is not the number quoted in the book!

Matthew J Embleton

Best Bench

I purchased a KD Bench but unfortunately the Clarke two-tonne jack which forms part of the bench gave up the ghost a couple of weeks ago. I called them to find that the business changed hands and they are now manufactured in Falkirk. I was advised that the Clarke jack was no longer available but a near-identical Seeley jack is now utilised.

Within a week a replacement jack had been delivered to me at no cost. Bearing in mind that I purchased the bench from the previous owner of the business, I was very pleased with the service I received. Anybody considering a work bench should certainly look at the KD unit. The great advantage is that if the hydraulics give any problems then it is easy to replace the jack.

Tel: 0845 130 2667

D L Leece

Volt First!

The electronic voltage regulator, the DVR2, on my MZ 250 is still performing perfectly after about 10 months and nearly 4000 miles. This is my first positive experience of aftermarket electronic stuff, so thanks and recommendations to the designer, Mike, he also being very helpful over the 'phone as regards advice on suitability. Tel 01489 880552.

Nigel S

Guzzi Geezers

Reboot Guzzi Spares are a specialist Guzzi breaker and are based in France but don't let that put you off. They have a huge range of stock and realistic prices - recommended. Email rebootguzzispares2@hotmail.co.uk

Plus Corsa Italiano get another mention for top service. I phoned them Friday about 13:30 to get a gasket set and it arrived at 11am on Saturday. They are brilliant! Tel 0208 542 2344

Paul G80

The Right Trousers

In this increasingly cynical age in which we appear to live these days, it is a real pleasure to report of good old fashioned service being found at one of our leading manufacturers of motorcycling clothing. After riding in a particularly heavy rainstorm last week I was disappointed to discover that my Rayven waterproof trousers had let water in and I was quite wet below the waist.

I contacted Rayven and expressed my disappointment who immediately asked me to send the trousers back as they would replace them, as they stood by their claim that the trousers should be 100% waterproof. Other than as a very satisfied customer I have no contact with Rayven, but will have no hesitation in the future to dealing with them again.

Mike Bull

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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 the fabulously delicious Typing Person (TP at RealClassic.net) 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.

And don't forget to mention the RealClassic.co.uk website if you contact any of the people recommended on this page.