GTA Motorcycle.com - Reviews http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/ Add Motorcycle related reviews, good or bad, favorite shops, stores, gear, etc. en Thu, 23 May 2013 20:18:57 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/images/misc/rss.png GTA Motorcycle.com - Reviews http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/ Frekeyguy - my new go-to mechanic in brampton http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171767-Frekeyguy-my-new-go-to-mechanic-in-brampton&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 21:54:33 GMT I took a pretty bad spill a few weeks ago going on the 401 EB ramp from Mississauga Rd. My tires slipped underneath me and both me and the bike ... I took a pretty bad spill a few weeks ago going on the 401 EB ramp from Mississauga Rd. My tires slipped underneath me and both me and the bike skidded across the ramp and into a ditch. Luckily, I was wearing a leather jacket and jeans (who said jeans offer no protections?) and I got away with minor scratches and bruises. But my bike was not so lucky.... The forks were obviously bent, the exhaust was detached, parts of the tail fairing was missing....

I got a mechanic to assess it and he said best case scenario it'd cost me $450+ parts to fix it, worse case scenario it'd cost me $2000 for everything (that is if frame was bent). He said from what he can see, I needed new forks, new tripples and a new fairing stay.

I was devastated and hopeless until frekeyguy contacted me. Not going to lie, I was a little skeptical getting a guy from a forum to look fix my bike, but he offered to assess my bike for no charge if I pay for his gas so I took him up on the offer. Turns out I didn't need the tripples but definitely needed new forks. He took my bike apart and sent me picture updates for everything he was doing. He even called around and found a set of forks for me in Perth! I just had to drive 3hrs to pick them up. When I went to drop off the forks at his place, he gave me a full out explanation about my bike - all the work that was done to it from the previous owner (I had a clean air mod and I didn't even know it), all the problems it could potentially have and the fact that someone took it apart and didn't put it back together tightly (which is a factor as for why my forks bent). There were missing bolts that I never noticed before and he replaced them. He also ziptied the fairings back together! I was so impressed with the all the work that was put into it. He even replaced a lightbulb for me. He wasn't kidding when he told me he goes above and beyond for his customers.

So within a week, I got my bike back in one piece (minus a chunk missing from the tail - I couldn't find it back at the crash site) and it cost me less than half of what I was expecting to pay for parts and labour.

He's the 3rd person who told me to change my tires and this time I'm listening.

So to summarize,
- Great communication. He keeps you updated with the work he's doing and gives honest recommendations without making you feel pressured. He works with you and takes the time to explain to you the issues on your bike
- He goes out of his way for his customers (it must have taken him hours to ziptie my fairings together and he called around for the forks for me)
- Very reasonable pricing
- I am 100% satisfied with the end result and I would definitely go back to him for any future issues.

The bike would have been a writeoff if it weren't for him.

I've attached a before and after picture.


Oh, and he installed the frame sliders for me :) He initially contacted me because I was looking for someone to install frame sliders for me but I crashed my bike a day later.

*Edit - attachment pictures are too small so you can't really see the details. I'm attaching a link.
BEFORE
http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7fa7cf5d.jpg

AFTER
http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/...psf9269f02.jpg ]]> Reviews mahnoy http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171767-Frekeyguy-my-new-go-to-mechanic-in-brampton Kudos To Kahuna Kawasaki, They Are The Best http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171663-Kudos-To-Kahuna-Kawasaki-They-Are-The-Best&goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 14:51:21 GMT I can't believe how helpful and friendly this place is, right from the blonde secretary in miniskirt at the front desk to that spanish dude (Cameron) on the floor sales to the young guys and girls in the second floor where the helmets are.

I went in not too long ago and slowly watched the new bikes in the showroom. A blonde girl says "Hi how are you". About 2 minutes later this chubby dude with green/blue eyes is walking with a customer past me and says "I'll be soon with you sir". About 3 minutes later that spanish salesman is walking with a woman past me and stops to shake my hand and tells me he'll be with me "very soon".

I walk to the 2nd floor to look at some hemlets, this girl asks me if I needed help looking at something, I said "No it's okay". I walk to the back to look at some Shoie helmets and a young guy tells me to give him a "holler" if I needed to ask some questions. I didn't buy a helmet but grabbed chain loob and proceeded to pay for it. There was a woman buying a helmet in front of me and she was taking her time with the bloody interac machine, making mistakes and starting over. I then saw the same chubby guy (in his 40's, the one from the 1st floor) walking into a storage room and he asks me "Are you being taken care of?" I said "I'm just waiting for her to finish her purchase", the chubby guy then hollers at a young guy to take care of me, the young dude walks up and takes care of me, even joking that I had the same last name as a serial killer that was famous 20 years ago.

Have these guys always been this nice? I've seen this kind of excellent customer service only at Apple stores. ]]> Reviews Pegassus http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171663-Kudos-To-Kahuna-Kawasaki-They-Are-The-Best The Ultimate Wash Nozzle http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171504-The-Ultimate-Wash-Nozzle&goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 01:27:56 GMT This thing is a must have for any enthusiast. So awesome I can't even find it on the internet. It eliminates the need for a bucket so its less likely you'll pick up abrasive **** and rub it into your paint job. I filled the soap reservoir about halfway with Simoniz Wash'N'Wax and its enough to lather up a whole bike twice. It works like those coin wash things and is rubberized on the tip to prevent scratches in case it touches your bike. You can also choose between just water and a mix...Also comes with 2 wash mitts, 17.99 at Costco.

[IMG][/IMG] ]]> Reviews LoneRonin http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171504-The-Ultimate-Wash-Nozzle Vespa Toronto West http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171384-Vespa-Toronto-West&goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 02:49:12 GMT I purchased a 2005 Vespa ET4 for my wife a few weeks ago, and needed to do a bunch of work on it (front/rear brakes, tires, plastic weld repair, turn... I purchased a 2005 Vespa ET4 for my wife a few weeks ago, and needed to do a bunch of work on it (front/rear brakes, tires, plastic weld repair, turn signal switch, engine/gear oil, etc, etc...).

I sourced most of my parts from the US before finding out about Vespa Toronto West, which is really unfortunate. When I did locate the shop, I left them a voicemail on the day the shop was closed, but they still called me back promptly and provided a detailed response to my questions.

Long story short, I visited the shop, purchased the additional parts I needed (all in stock!) and had an excellent and helpful conversation with the owner and shop mechanic (Lou and Nick). I subsequently had to order additional parts and visited the shop a second time. I had a ton of questions for Nick and he patiently answered all of them, which included pulling the seat off the resident ET4 and showing me all of the areas he felt I should inspect for each of the issues I discussed.

*Really* outstanding. I have a lot of respect for shops that are willing to help instruct you on how to solve issues (if you're willing) by yourself, without immediately suggesting you bring your bike in for any additional help. Pro6Cycle (Joe, Johnny, Ryan and Sandy) and GP Bikes (Ken Livingstone, aka superman) are the gold standard, and Nick was truly no less -- remarkable! I'd feel really confident suggesting anyone with a Vespa speak to Nick at Toronto Vespa West as well. And talk to Lou if you need to source any parts at prices that usually beat the US prices.

It's fantastic that we have this available to us, at competitive prices with knowledgable staff. We owe it to them to use and support our local shops. ]]> Reviews sys49152 http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171384-Vespa-Toronto-West Royal Distributing http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171361-Royal-Distributing&goto=newpost Mon, 13 May 2013 16:29:10 GMT Went to Royal in Innisfil on friday....crappy day was off, figured drive there and see about getting a helmet and a summer textile jacket and stuff.... Went to Royal in Innisfil on friday....crappy day was off, figured drive there and see about getting a helmet and a summer textile jacket and stuff. The helmet I've been wanting was suppose to be there in April...now May 10 and none available for customers....? Not saying their fault completely...they do have it advertized in the catalogue...wtf? I ordered one just in case one becomes available sometime...not able to tell me when it will come in.
The jacket selection is pitiful for summer riding conditions...and if they had one...not much size selection.
Spent a hour there....lookin around. Lots of staff and they do try to help...just what a waste of time ...my fault should have called first.
I will go to GP next time....they usually have a great selection from past experiences ]]> Reviews Kool http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171361-Royal-Distributing mobile tire changer http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171303-mobile-tire-changer&goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 16:14:30 GMT Just wondering if anyone has got their tires replaced from this person before and what the feedback is. ... Just wondering if anyone has got their tires replaced from this person before and what the feedback is.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ483464530

Thanks. ]]> Reviews dtgsxr_xb9s http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171303-mobile-tire-changer Found excellent private moto mechanic outside of the city... in Stoufville! http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171255-Found-excellent-private-moto-mechanic-outside-of-the-city-in-Stoufville!&goto=newpost Sat, 11 May 2013 03:09:34 GMT I no longer have to go into the city and fight traffic to get my bike serviced. With some of the guys i ride with from markham was told to check... I no longer have to go into the city and fight traffic to get my bike serviced. With some of the guys i ride with from markham was told to check out a fellow working out of his garage in stoufville. What used to cost me 400$ a spring to get me rolling cost me much less, with less hassle.

I told steve who is taking his part time passion to the next level that i would tell a few people... i have read enough posts about poor mechanics.. or the problems in dealing with a big shop and the costs associated.


I was really happy with the work done! Give steve a call 416 561 3378 or email steve52@rogers.com ]]> Reviews Hanzzy http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171255-Found-excellent-private-moto-mechanic-outside-of-the-city-in-Stoufville! Brian aka theassassin http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171150-Brian-aka-theassassin&goto=newpost Thu, 09 May 2013 02:30:04 GMT Brian did some work for me the other day for a great price, so I figured the least I could do was spread the word about him. As far as... Brian did some work for me the other day for a great price, so I figured the least I could do was spread the word about him.

As far as workmanship goes he is great. Knew more about my bike then I did and I've taken it apart more times than I care to count. He worked fairly fast, but not rushed. He also did the little things like cleaned every single connector and coated it with some sort of sealant to imporve the longevity of the bike. Basically he treats your bike as his own as far as I'm concerned.

With price he was also more than fair with me, I actually felt kind of bad cause imo he probably undercharged me for the amount of work he did. Thing is, he quoted me a price and stuck with it, even though there were unforseen hitches on the way.

Anyways, if you do need work done I highky recommend giving Brian a call. He is licensed and has worked in the industry for longer than most people here have been riding. If you do end up using Brian I'd suggest bringing a few extra bucks, he has all kinds of tires lying around that he will sell and mount for dirt cheap. ]]> Reviews RandomHero http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171150-Brian-aka-theassassin John Bickles = 2 thumbs up http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171094-John-Bickles-2-thumbs-up&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 02:54:17 GMT I promised John I'll write a review once I've had a chance to experience his gauntlet gloves and socks.

Gloves: Very well made and they fit well. Two things surprised me with me. (1) They feel really "thin" (note: feel, the actually leather thickness is comparable to other name brands out there) and I get really good feels with the controls. (2) The gloves are without perforation and I don't feel my hands getting swampy. If I really have to nitpick something, it'll be to allow the wrist part to stretch a bit more to make putting on and pulling off the gloves easier, and that's me really nitpicking :)

Socks: The socks are super thin. Makes sliding into boots much easier. After a full day ride on Sunday (from 9am to 6pm), my feet and the socks stayed dry. The best is the elastics at the top of the sock never lost grip and they stayed up all day. I bought 2 pairs and I will be buying some more.

Also had the pleasure of meeting John in person. He reviewed my previous gloves and told me he couldn't repair my beloved held phantoms due to the seams came loose along my index finger and its safety feature was compromised. He could've easily made some money by sewing them back up, but John wouldn't do it because as he explained it, it will not hold should something happens. He's a wealth of knowledge and honest.

Thanks John. ]]> Reviews EC2010 http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171094-John-Bickles-2-thumbs-up cycle world superstore http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171090-cycle-world-superstore&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 01:48:50 GMT Does anyone have a review for them? I took my motorcycle there for a safety inspection recently. I am not sure if they lured me into some extra... Does anyone have a review for them?

I took my motorcycle there for a safety inspection recently.
I am not sure if they lured me into some extra work. ]]> Reviews frugalman http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171090-cycle-world-superstore Pro Biker Gloves Reviews http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171089-Pro-Biker-Gloves-Reviews&goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 01:48:00 GMT *Long Story* I have purchased some Pro Biker Gloves from Kijiji about 2 weeks ago and I wanted to review them. At first view they were cheap... Long Story
I have purchased some Pro Biker Gloves from Kijiji about 2 weeks ago and I wanted to review them.

At first view they were cheap ($20-$25) and looked like decent cloth style gloves with hard knuckles. After I wore them for a couple days my hands started hurting. I thought I just needed to break them in so I wore them a couple of days more.

After about a week of purchase, they started ripping around the seems and still didnt feel comfortable while riding so I thought maybe I purchased the wrong size. I had a Large, so I met up with another person on Kijiji (the original person I called didnt have an XL, plus he was late to the "meet") and I purchased an XL pair of the exact same gloves.

After a couple of days with these gloves I realized the XL wasnt a good fit at all and were very uncomfortable on the bike. After about a full week with these gloves again they started ripping again.

I contacted both of the people I purchased these gloves from, whom when I purchased they say they guarantee the gloves. When I attempted to contact them after the gloves started ripping, and they basically told me No Refund, No Exchanges, Basically I am S.O.L.

I dont usually like to "meet" people on Kijiji to purchase items, but I am always up to help local business.

I have purchased some cloths style gloves this past week from a local store (Daytona Motor Sport) and will be posting a review of them after a couple of weeks of use.


Short Story
Purchased ProBiker Gloves From a Person on Kijiji, Gloves Were Bad Quality. BAD BAD BAD.
Very Unhappy. Purchased Different Gloves From a Local Retailer for Under $30.
The End.

]]> Reviews TorontoCruser http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?171089-Pro-Biker-Gloves-Reviews Michelin PR3 - 12,000KM Review http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170864-Michelin-PR3-12-000KM-Review&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 20:38:49 GMT I did a trip from Toronto down to Key West Florida last summer (with the mandatory pass by Deal's Gap of course), and wanted rubber that would both last the trip and cover me if we hit the torrential rain they sometimes get in Florida, so I fitted some Michelin PR3s to my SV650s. Pete's had em for just a little over $300 for the pair when I ordered.

Man are these things good! They took the twisties, days of hot superslab at high speed, a couple runs of dragon slaying, heavy rain, and a loaded bike all in stride. I didn't quite get to dragging knee at the dragon but I did drag toe a few times because my monstrous tank bag kept me from getting over enough to do things right. I don't claim to be the most aggressive rider out there, but I haven't exactly been babying these tires either. They have never once lost traction on me in hot, cold, wet or dry (though the stock shoes on this bike did). They'll get a little squirrely over tar snakes or light gravel on a lean, but I've yet to hear of a tire that didn't.

So the trip was somewhere around 9,000km and I've put around another 3,000km before and after by roaming the GTA... These things are barely squared off in the back, and look pretty much new in the front.
Michelin_PR3_Rear_13K_Kms.jpgMichelin_PR3_Rear_Wear_Bars.jpgMichelin_PR3_Front_13k_Kms.jpg
I don't know if you can see properly in that closeup of the rear but the wear bars are 3/4 of the way down into that remaining tread. There is TONS of life left on these and I'd feel pretty safe counting on them for an entire second trip down to Florida and back.

I keep my tires well inflated and pay attention to being pretty smooth on the throttle, but still love to take off on WOT every so often. So if you don't get amazing life out of these things, I don't know what you're doing wrong. Am definitely adding another set of these once they're done (though probably not this year by the looks of it).

Would I recommend them for the track? They're probably not the best tool for the job unless you're in the wet. But if you're a commuter or sport tourer, I'd say hands down these are going to be your best bang for the buck.
Attached Images
]]> Reviews Marcfolch http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170864-Michelin-PR3-12-000KM-Review Speedworx (Racer5) = Awesome! http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170844-Speedworx-(Racer5)-Awesome!&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 12:53:50 GMT I just had my 24k maintenance done at Speedworx. Lots of stuff to go over according to the service schedule, and they didn't cut any corners. Got my bike back on time as promised. Really felt the difference riding the bike home. It felt new and everything was smooth. During the process, I never had to second guess their work efforts, unlike some other dealerships that I'd been to where you paid and the minute you hopped on the bike to ride home, you wonder if they did anything at all. They provided quotes for me upfront before started the job.

Fawaz & Sheereen: Thank you very much for taking care of me (both bike and Racer5 courses). You have made a loyal customer in me.

Ed ]]> Reviews EC2010 http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170844-Speedworx-(Racer5)-Awesome! My new Tuono - thank you Corsa Meccanica! http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170832-My-new-Tuono-thank-you-Corsa-Meccanica!&goto=newpost Fri, 03 May 2013 03:03:31 GMT Picked up my Aprilia Tuono from Corsa Meccanica last week and it's been nothing but a blast. George was awesome in making sure I got the bike in a timely manner and managed to find me an Austin Racing exhaust which he quickly had installed for me. Two thumbs up for sales and service at Corsa Meccanica!



]]> Reviews go jess http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170832-My-new-Tuono-thank-you-Corsa-Meccanica! Thanks to Chris at Toy Hauler! http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170817-Thanks-to-Chris-at-Toy-Hauler!&goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 20:18:47 GMT Found Chris and Toy Hauler through GTAM and he more than lived up to his great reputation! We took my bike to the shop today and all went well (he... Found Chris and Toy Hauler through GTAM and he more than lived up to his great reputation! We took my bike to the shop today and all went well (he even had to fight through a closed-down 401 to get the bike). I'd definitely use Chris next time I need to move a bike, great price and a great person to chat with along the way. Thanks again! ]]> Reviews Ryan123 http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?170817-Thanks-to-Chris-at-Toy-Hauler!