
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly do you work on?
We specialize in the golden era of machinery. That means Universal Japanese Motorcycles (UJMs) from the 70s and 80s (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki), BMW Airheads, and vintage 2-stroke mopeds (Puch, Tomos, Motobecane). We do NOT work on: Harley-Davidsons (There are plenty of other shops for that). Chinese Scooters or Amazon "Drop-Ship" bikes (If you can't buy parts for it, we can't fix it). Electric bikes or anything with more than two wheels.
My bike has been sitting for 20 years. How much to 'just get it running'?
There is no such thing as "just" getting it running. If it’s been sitting for decades, the gas has turned to varnish, the seals are rock hard, and the tires are hockey pucks. We don't do band-aid fixes. To make it safe and reliable, we usually need to go through the fuel system, brakes, and tires. Bring it in for a proper triage inspection, and we will give you a real assessment. If you want a cheap patch-up job, we aren't the shop for you.
Can I bring my own parts?
Generally, no. We source parts from suppliers we trust—parts we know will fit and won't fail in 50 miles. If you bring us a $20 carburetor rebuild kit you bought on eBay, we cannot guarantee it will work, and we definitely can't warranty the labor. Let us buy the parts; it saves everyone a headache in the long run.
How long will it take?
Vintage repair is not an oil change at Jiffy Lube. We are often hunting down New Old Stock (NOS) parts from halfway across the world or machining something that doesn't exist anymore. We prioritize quality over speed. If you need it done by next Tuesday for a ride, you should have brought it in three months ago. Good work takes time.
Do you do full restorations?
Yes, but be prepared for the reality. A full "frame-off" restoration is a massive undertaking involving hundreds of hours of labor, paint, powder coat, engine building, and sourcing. It is an investment. If you are looking to flip a bike for profit, a full restoration rarely makes financial sense. If you are looking to resurrect a family heirloom or build your dream machine, let’s talk.
Can you do a custom build?
Hell yes. We build Scramblers, Trackers, Cafe Racers, and Restomods. But we have one rule: Function comes first. We don't build "Instagram bikes" with no fenders, no lights, and seats made of plywood that look cool in a photo but kill you in a pothole. We build machines that run hard, stop fast, and handle better than they did in 1978. If you want a sculpture, buy a statue. If you want a custom bike that can actually tear up the streets of Atlanta, we’re your shop.
How much does a custom build cost?
How long is a piece of string? The price varies wildly depending on whether you just want a "shave and a haircut" (seat, bars, lights) or a full frame-off reinvention. The Reality Check: Custom work is labor-intensive. You aren't just paying for parts; you are paying for fabrication, custom wiring, and hours of problem-solving. The Math: A proper custom build typically starts at $5,000+ in parts and labor (not including the cost of the donor bike) and goes up from there. The Bottom Line: If you are trying to build a custom bike because you think it’s cheaper than buying a new Triumph, you are doing it for the wrong reason. You do this for the passion and the uniqueness, not to save money.
Do you offer warranties?
We offer a "Stand Behind Our Work" guarantee, but not a "New Bike" warranty. Our Promise: If we messed up—if a seal we installed leaks or a bolt we tightened comes loose—bring it back immediately, and we will make it right. We take pride in our reputation. The Reality: We are working on 40+ year-old machines. We cannot warranty old parts we didn't touch. If we fix your carburetor and two weeks later your 1978 ignition coil dies, that’s just bad luck, not bad workmanship. Also, if you take your fresh engine rebuild and redline it cold, that’s on you. We build them to last, but you have to treat them with mechanical sympathy.
What is your payment policy?
We aren't a bank, and we don't do payment plans. The Deposit: For larger jobs (restorations, engine rebuilds, or custom work), we require a deposit upfront to cover parts and initial labor. The Balance: The remaining balance is due in full when the work is completed. The Rule: The bike does not leave the shop until the bill is paid. Storage Fees: Once we notify you that your bike is ready, you have 7 days to pick it up. After that, we charge a daily storage fee. Our shop is small; we need the space for the next project, not for long-term parking.
Do you provide written estimates?
Yes, but with a major "Vintage Warning." On a modern Honda Civic, a brake job takes 1 hour. On a 1975 Honda CB750, a brake job might take 1 hour, or it might turn into a 6-hour nightmare if a caliper bolt snaps off in the fork leg. The Triage: We charge a diagnostic fee to look the bike over and write up an initial estimate. The "Pandora's Box": If we open up your engine and find more gremlins than expected (and on vintage bikes, there are always more gremlins), we stop work and contact you immediately to approve the extra cost. We never spend your money without asking you first.
Where are you located and what are your hours?
We are located in Decatur, GA. Shop Hours: We are generally in the shop Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM. Note: We are a working shop, not a retail hangout. If you want to drop by to discuss a project, please make an appointment first. We usually have sparks flying or bikes on the lift, and we can’t always stop to chat if you just walk in.
What is the best way to contact you?
Use the Contact Form on this website. Honest truth: If I am elbow-deep in a crankcase or welding a subframe, I am not answering the phone. Email allows me to look at your request, check my parts inventory, and give you a thoughtful answer when I clean up at the end of the day. Do: Send details about your bike (Year, Make, Model) and what issues you are having. Don't: DM me on Instagram at 2 AM asking "How much to fix my bike?"
What services do you offer?
We handle everything from routine maintenance to ground-up builds. Our core services include: Carburetor Services: Ultrasonic cleaning, rebuilding, and vacuum syncing (we speak fluent Keihin, Mikuni, and Bing). Electrical Sorting: fixing "rats nest" wiring, installing Motogadget m-Units, and upgrading charging systems. Engine Work: Top-end rebuilds, valve adjustments, and gasket replacements. Tires & Brakes: Mounting, balancing, and hydraulic brake system overhauls. Fabrication: Custom seat loops, battery boxes, and bracketry. The "De-Rot" Service: Taking a bike that has sat for 10 years and making it road-worthy again (Fuel, Spark, Compression, Tires). Need something specific? Just ask.
Can you pick up my bike?
No. We are a repair shop, not a towing company. You are responsible for getting the machine to our door in Decatur. The Advice: If you don't have a truck, rent a U-Haul motorcycle trailer for $20 or call a dedicated motorcycle towing service. The Hard Truth: If you can't figure out how to transport a vintage bike, owning one is going to be a very frustrating experience for you.



