G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through December 12, 2008 » Anyone know a good mechanic in so cal « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pete_nice
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i just got my 09 scg and i love it i wanna take good care of my baby , im hoping someone will know a really good person who works on buells for the services and when i want to put a different exhaust and things , i dont know anything about bikes just how to look good on it and im in san fernando valley area thanks
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pete_nice
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 - 01:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

818
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Point_doc
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 - 02:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Call Al @ American Sport Bike
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pete_nice
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 - 05:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

is american sport bike in my area
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Point_doc
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 - 06:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Al knows most everyone associated with Buell in Southern Cali. He rides all over southern half of our state.

In any case, it would be good for you to call and intro yourself and get to know him.

I have been told that Al has helped them wrench on there bike at his shop (small projects of course), he handed them a shop maual and assited them when they needed it. A+ guy.

Again, I received this info from someone who Al has assisted and he is always available to answer questions. Again A+ guy.



(Message edited by point_doc on December 05, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pete_nice
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2008 - 10:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

awesome thanks
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slaughter
Posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 - 12:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Where are you generally looking? I can recommend a specific mechanic at Glendale, at Bartels and at Antelope Valley. Glendale is closest to you if you're Van Nuys. Antelope Valley and Bartels (Marina Del Rey) are a bit farther away.

Actually, you can come to Willow Springs the 3rd Sunday of every month and meet the mechanics and racers from all 3 dealers.

Even though he's the sales dude at Glendale, Ernie Snair has been the guy there that I always recommend "filtering" the Buell wrenching requests. He can line you up with one of the better Buell mechanics there... yeah, it's not his job but he's really helpful.

If you go to Bartels, ask for Mitsu - yes a Japanese citizen is one of the BEST Harley/Buell mechanics around. I'm working on Higbee's bike with him. Memphis has also been really good and has worked with me on their dyno and really seems to know his stuff - but Mitsu is heavily involved in the racing.

If you call Antelope Valley, the Service Writer - Steve - actually is wrenching directly on their not-so-secret racing 1125R and working with me on my XB racebikes. Logan in the shop is one of the best dyno operators I've worked with.

There is an independent mechanic who helps us ALL at the races - Don Thutt. He works out of his own shop but does NOT advertise. He does most of the Glendale racebike prep and has for a few years. He specialized in restoring bikes until he got roped into racing/wrenching.

Seriously, I'd almost recommend Thutt since he is probably the most flexible - but he's a crusty guy with pretty colorful language (just a warning) - but he's the BEST Buell mechanic I've worked around - except maybe Mitsu at Bartels.

(whew - ! I didn't think I'd be writing so much)

Seriously - you ought to come to Willow every 3rd Sunday (and the Friday/Saturday before it) and actually MEET some of the folks you might consider doing some of your wrenching. It's a different culture than expected and fun just hanging around.

(oh, there's no racing in December this year - too close to Christmas)

(Message edited by slaughter on December 06, 2008)

(Message edited by slaughter on December 06, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Semirgdj
Posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 - 01:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hi I live in the "Valley" as well. I currently own 3 Buells and have owned at least 1 Buell for for over 7 years. I suggest Glendale Harley as well. You can talk to Ernie, Josh or Serge. Ernie is a sales guy who loves Buell, Josh sells chrome now but knows everything there is to know about Buell parts, and Serge is in parts and he is great. All three of these guys are also great Buell riders. I mainly deal with Josh (because he has helped me for years and has never steered me wrong)
I very rarely have my bikes serviced at a dealer. I found out quickly, that I should do my own work. The dealers are usually really busy and overpriced for service. I only take my bike in as a last resort or a warranty issue.
Al at American Sport bike is also a great resource. His store/ warehouse is about 1:45 south in North San Diego county. If you order form American Sport Bike your package usually gets to the Valley the next day. Also AL is always happy to help you over the phone.
I have not ever had a good experience with Bartel's in Venice. I used to live around the corner from them and realized that I was better off driving all the way to Glendale. Don't waste your time going to the westside because Glendale HD is a far superior overall dealer for Buell, IMO.
I do not know the other mechanic mentioned (but I would like to) I would love to have a good, independent mechanic to give my bike a tune-up once in a while.
I would suggest that you get to know your bike and try to do as much work as possible, yourself. Buells are very easy to work on IMO. Buy the manual and some torx drivers. I figured out most problems with my bike buy coming on this board. I even got ECM spy so I can reset my TPS.
I am not a mechanic but you can always email me and I will be happy to help you however I can.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Wantxbr
Posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 - 02:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Glendale is a good Dealership. If you were further South I'd say bring it to me.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pete_nice
Posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 - 02:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

you guys are all so kick ass , i cant wait to get all my friends hooked on the buell fever and where can i get this manuel you speak of because i dont know anything about bikes is there a buell school , thanks again
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slaughter
Posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 - 09:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You can order the manuals directly from the dealer. I sometimes see them cheaper on ebay but after shipping, it's usually not much of a savings.

I'd suggest also ordering the parts manual for your bike. It's so much easier to go to the parts guy with the part numbers. Saves a bunch of time.

If you are going to Glendale, Josh and Serge are really great for parts ordering. Josh knows the air-cooled bikes, Serge really knows the 1125.

Most of the work on these bike really is pretty simple... but there's no real Buell school. IF you are a working HD mechanic at a dealer, THEY can send you to Buell-specific training but that training is not offered to the public.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Point_doc
Posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 - 02:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

+1 Wantxbr
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and custodians may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration