Michael Test
18 Jan 2019 03:17:16
I bought one of these chains. I went for the 21” double Byzantine. I had a kickstand spring pop the other day. I uncoupled the clasp from my belt … read more

I have been a customer of Top Dead Center Cycles for almost two years now. I own two “classic” Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I was first referred to Top Dead Center Cycles in May of 2015 because I had a springer front end that was in need of repair.

I cannot say enough good things about the shop and the owners, Bret and Julie Wilk.

I made the drive over and was greeted by the owner, Bret Wilk. I explained my issue to him, and he asked if I had the front end with me. I opened my trunk, took out the part and he inspected it. He told me he could attempt a repair, but in his professional opinion if it was repaired, it would not be safe to use. I thanked him for his time and his honesty and went about my business.

Fast forward to July of 2016. I purchased my first “classic” Harley-Davidson, a 1956 FLH 70’s style chopper.

I knew that the local Harley-Davidson dealerships would not work on the motorcycle because of its age. Needless to say, it had quite a few issues. It left me stranded and I contacted Top Dead Center Cycles and spoke with Bret. He provided the names and numbers of reputable towing companies, and again was honest with me. He said it would be 6-8 weeks before he would be able to diagnose the issues, due to a backlog of work in the shop. I told him no problem, I had the bike towed and when I arrived at the shop, I was greeted by Julie Wilk. I explained to her what my issues were; she took notes and my contact information, and again was up front and honest telling me that it would be 6-8 weeks before any diagnosis would be made. I thanked her for her time, and she said that they would be in touch. I did not have any issue with the timeframe because this was not my primary motorcycle and, in my opinion, it is a good sign when I see any local independent shop with a backlog of work.

About seven and weeks later I received a call from Julie who explained to me what the issues were and an estimate on the cost of parts and labor. I gave the go ahead for the repairs and paid for the parts that would be necessary to make the repairs. A few days later I rode out to the shop to speak with Bret. He stopped what he was doing, greeted me and brought me back into the shop. He showed me what the problems were (electrical), he showed me the parts that were removed. He also spent 20-30 minutes explaining the cause of the electrical failure, how he diagnosed the issue, and went over his plan for making the repair. I have owned many cars/trucks/motorcycles over the years, and this is the first time any technician much less the owner of a shop takes the time to “break it down” in plain English for me, the customer.

Top Dead Center Cycles contacted me to let me know that the repairs were complete. I paid my balance and rode off.

A few weeks later, I ran into another issue. I contacted them, I brought the bike in, it needed a coil. They did not have the part in stock, but Bret found a used coil in the shop installed it on my bike and ordered me a new one. A week later, they called me and said the part arrived. I brought my bike in and was in and out in 30 minutes. While I was there, I discussed an oil leak that I was having with my ratchet top transmission and swapping out handlebars and hand controls. Again, Bret said it would be 2-3 weeks before this work could be performed. There’s that honesty thing shining through again, makes me happy to be a repeat customer. Three weeks later, I dropped the bike off, and the work started. We ran into one delay, not Top Dead Center’s fault, but the parts that were needed were on backorder. Hey, it happens, but you can’t blame the shop. The shop has NO CONTROL on parts, period. I will say this, they found the parts and got me up and running in the estimated time frame, and as I write this in January of 2019, knock on wood, that 1956 ratchet top has yet to leak a drop of oil. It also doesn’t “clunk” when shifting from neutral into first gear.

This brings us to February of 2018. I had been joking about purchasing a Shovelhead and have Bret rebuild it for me. I located one in Arizona and purchased it. After making the purchase, I rode down to Top Dead Center and discussed a tear down to the frame and build it back up job with Bret. He provided me with a time frame. He said it would be May before he would be able to start. Again, I had no issue with the time frame, not my only bike. I dropped the bike off in May. I placed my deposits and Bret took the time to discuss the build with me. He did a complete rebuild on the engine and installed a S&S 93” Sidewinder Stroker kit. He did a complete rebuild on the “cowpie” four-speed transmission. Even having to relocate the shop (to a better location) the December 25th deadline was met. Four days before Christmas while I was away, he sent pictures and video of the completed motorcycle.

I cannot say enough good things about the shop and the owners, Bret and Julie Wilk. They are honest. They provide realistic estimates. If they see a problem outside of the scope of work, they will inform you and make honest recommendations. They use quality parts. Most of all they care about getting your motorcycle repaired and getting you SAFELY back out on the road. If you have a “classic” Harley-Davidson or late model Harley-Davidson keep Top Dead Center Cycles in mind for any major repairs, minor repairs, tires, or routine maintenance.

 

Joomla! Debug Console

Session

Profile Information

Memory Usage

Database Queries