Motorcycle Works Ltd

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Kin Hui
a year ago
Went for an inspection with my friend. Tom was very through and safety based. He will not compromise on thoroughness of inspections even on my friend s bike is like new with only 1600 miles. He still check all lights, buttons and tires to make sure everything work. My VFR1200F on the other hand is a higher mileage bike with over 51000 miles. I do keep my in very good working condition but he did show me few things that I should keep my eye on to Avoid costly repair in the future. Safety and mechanical readiness is not something to play around with when you are on two wheels. Not a rude person like some other said. just serious about his craft. Would trust him for an honest evaluation and repair competency.

  Tian Ma
a year ago
Made an appointment on a week day for bike diagnosis and a oil change (2017 r ninet) and was able to have it done and picked up the next morning.Had a good chat with Tom the owner - a very friendly guy and definitely very knowledgeable and experienced with BMW bikes (he owns and specialize them)Will for sure have the bike serviced by him in the future, feels more trustworthy and personal than going to a dealership!Services: Electrical repair, Oil change

  Gabriel D
5 years ago
Very reasonable rates, and 100% peace of mind.Tom is good at what he does. Very good. As a result of being good he is very busy. As a result of being very busy he doesn t mess around, and he likes things done a certain way. Nothing unreasonable - don t idle your bike on the street (he has neighbors), call ahead and stick to the point (common courtesy), don t expect an inspection outside his inspection hours of 9-12 (perfectly reasonable as he is busy and makes $6 for an inspection).If you respect him he ll respect you, and he will respect the hell out of your bike. He treats the bikes he works on as if they were his own. I ve been with him about 10 years through two bikes, and I have nothing but good things to say about his skills and knowledge. It s rare to find a mechanic that you don t quietly suspect is ripping you off. He s actually tried to undercharge me before.I recently brought my new 38 year old Honda XL to him for an inspection and a general going-over, and in addition to finding a missing cotter pin and a few loose nuts (!!), he also fixed a couple of tears in the seat and replaced missing reflectors for free.He s a solid guy with solid skills, and contrary to some reports here, will happily chat about bikes, life, whatever with you when the job is done - IF he has time.

  Ronald Bremner
2 years ago
Tom was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. He recommended small things to do with my bike to get the most out of it. His knowledge of what going on with your bike just from looking at it was overwhelming. I will be taking my bike to him for anything that needs to be done.I would highly recommend everyone to have him work on there bike. Thanks Tom for all your help today. I will be bringing the bike back once I check the valves. Thanks again Ron

  Didier Alvarez
3 years ago
Went for an inspection and was declined due to license plate bulb socket failure, did not charge me. Inspection was very through and safety based. I replaced it, returned next week and passed. While there saw other bikes inspected and saw that Tom will not compromise on thoroughness of inspections, which is a good thing. Safety and mechanical readiness is not something to shrug at when putting your life on the line at 60+ mph. Not a rude person, just serious about his craft. Would trust him for an honest evaluation and repair competency.

  Igor Shorman
3 years ago
I came for my inspection. At first I thought the owner had a rough edge to his demeanor. Then my bike wouldnt start and I had to leave it at the shop. Tom took my number down and said he would call in a few days. He did call me and he did an amazing job fixing my bike. He also did many extra things like checking oil, spark plugs, put air into my tires. Afterwards we ended up talking for 40 minutes about bikes, riding routes, family etc. I strongly recommend this place !!!!

  Azharul Chowdhury
2 years ago
If you read carefully you will realize the negative reviews are from entitled people. You don't go to a mechanic looking for 5 star customer service, you come to get your bike worked on by an honest unapologetic mechanic. This is the spot.The owner even answered my questions over the phone and talked me through what to look for when buying my first used bike. Free of charge. Was not rude to me whatsoever. If he was rude to you it's probably justified.

  alex calabrese
3 years ago
I have been riding off and on for 50 years. If you love your motorcycle you want to take it here to Tom. He will care for your motorcycle as if it were his own. He is an excellent mechanic and has owned many bikes over the years. Can t say enough good things except that he s fair, honest and trustworthy and a good man.Services: Carburetor cleaning, Electrical repair, Steering & suspension repair, Engine repair, Brake service & repair, Oil changeServices: Carburetor cleaning, Electrical repair, Steering & suspension repair, Engine repair, Brake service & repair, Oil change

  Raze Pagan
7 years ago
Toms is an outstanding mechanic. Hardworking, knowledgeable and trustworthy. I gather he's pretty busy, which is understandable so don't bullshit him and or waste his time. If you have to wait to get your bike into his shop, do so. The service you'll get is well worth it.

  Alex Hanini
3 years ago
I came in with an R100/7 that was really a frankenbike and had a weird history. Tom immediately told me to get rid of it, and that it wouldn t be worth it. I was stubborn but he got the work done. His rate is solid but obviously the parts can be pricey. While you need something resembling thick skin around Tom, you learn a lot from him and he gives people priceless information.Tom doesn t like to waste his time as he is a busy guy and doesn t like to keep his customers waiting. I recommend bringing a video camera or notepad to record what he says, because you won t want to bother him about it again.It s sad that there are so many softies complaining about Tom and claim to be riding bikes these days, especially if your bike is one that requires minimal know-how and frankly a cool attitude. You won t find another person who can work on bikes especially older BMWs like Tom.Seriously, if you take the bike somewhere else you ll be lucky that they ll have the one mechanic with Tom s expertise available to work on your bike.

  Damian Kurowski
5 years ago
Don t come here expecting an easy inspection sticker then have a temper tantrum because your bike is not up to par. Tom is an excellent mechanic and has decades of experience in dealing with motorcycles new and old. He will point out solutions to problems you didn t even know you had for example my clutch cable didn t have enough slack and he explained that I ll burn the clutch eventually. Adjusted the clutch for me even before I ever became a paying customer. Attention to detail is paid here, good man.

  Caleb Murphy
4 years ago
I definitely recommend Motorcycle Works. I m a new rider, and Tom was very helpful in letting me know the things that I should be keeping a better eye on. He gave me a lot of good advice and didn t even charge me for the time he spent teaching. He did a great inspection and tune-up on my bike. I ll for sure be going back to him in the future.

  Brian Ghaw
5 years ago
I'd give Tom 10 stars if i could. Having brought my '72 BMW /5 to 2 other "bmw specialist" in Brooklyn, I can 100% say that I will never trust my bike to anyone else besides Tom @ motorcycle works. He's a straight talker, no bullsh*t guy who will give you his very honest opinion about all things technical with your motorcycle, and more importantly, he has the knowledge and skill to back everything up. I brought my /5 in after a "Worth" less shop completely butchered my electrical system. Within 45 minutes, Tom had given me a consultation on everything done incorrectly and even further diagnosed other mechanical issues that I self inflicted by having my motor rebuilt by another said shop, Moto Borgota-NO. He was very upfront with the amount of work that needed to get done and even offered options/stages that I could do the repairs in so as not to spend so much at once. He was completely transparent with costs. While he is by no means cheap, his expertise and quality of work is worth every penny. Whereas other shops would have taken at least a week for my repairs, Tom turned my bike around in 2 days and it has never run any sweeter. Anyone who cares about no nonsense service/repairs go see Tom without hesitation. If you want someone to spoon feed you bs with one hand in your pocket, try the other "bmw specialists" scattered throughout the city. (He even called me a few weeks later to follow up on his repairs). For as long I'll have my bike, I won't let anyone else touch it besides Tom.

  Diego Garay
6 years ago
If you are looking for charm, to chat about bikes or an overall shopping or brand experience, Tom is not your guy. I have known this Tom for 15 years and 5 beemers and he is indeed an excellent mechanic. If you need your bike repair he can do it but do the following :Call in advance"Briefly" explain your concernsStay on subjectDon't go with your bike dirty or uncared forIf your bike is not up to par don't expect a stickerIf your bike "is" up to par, go only on Saturdays to get your inspection but call firstFollow this and you will be fine

  Andrew Schulz
9 years ago
Tom is a solid dude. He's got the knowledge of 20 mechanics, his work is excellent, and his prices are fair. What more could you want?To the reviewers who were displeased with the "customer service", if you're looking for a hug and a kiss, your motorcycle mechanic shouldn't really be the place to seek that out. Maybe you should patch things up with your parents.It's not easy to find a talented, trustworthy mechanic these days, believe me. Thanks Tom.

  Kenrick Morante
7 years ago
I brought in a 2002 r1150gs that I had recently purchased that has seen some hard times. Tom was great in explaining everything that needed to be done and what could wait. He was through and took time to show me everything on the bike. He didn't even mind that I knew next to nothing about motorcycles in general. He fixed it up in a couple of days and now it runs better then ever. He even called me back when he told me I had accidentally payed $20 more then what we agreed on. All in all it was a great experience and I will definitely be going back. 10/10

  Igor POD
7 years ago
A state inspection: I should have known better! The amount of signs to buzz for " Genius" was alarming already! Then Verizon sign .... The dude proceeds to inspect my bike. He seemed to be very thorough. Dude: brakes are good, everything is good as well. Then points at my exhaust, " what is that?" Me: do you want me to start the bike? Dude: No, I heard you before-too loud! Me: do you have a DB meter? Dude: find another shop!So why bother to inspect if he already "heard" me coming?! Can not review dude's professionalism. But on a human being level, that dude is a negative (-5) stars!

  George K
6 years ago
Tom is a perfectionist and a great motorcycle mechanic/engineer. I can fully trust him with any issues. I brought a bmw there for years, and now i have a 2012 suzuki v-strom. I just brought it in for maintenance and some adjustments. Tom explained all he did, and the cost was lower than I had expected. When I got home, I started realizing the other things he does when he goes over the bike, including lubing the side and center stands, adding air to my tires, tightening all bolts and loose fairing, and even fixing a broken blinker, because something like that could get me pulled over. Thanks.

  Ton de jong
10 years ago
Tom has done super jobs for my bikes: R27 and K1100 RS BMW's as well as on my Ural.Particularly the Ural job was amazing as the bike was farting and sputtering a lot. He changed the jets of the carburators and now she runs smooth as silk. Even better than new!!! Last year i had an accident with my K-bike and the bike looked a mess. Tom fixed her up quickly and safely. The price has always been fair and correct.He is the best mechanic i met. I recommend him highly.

  Michael Wade DeRosa
8 years ago
There is more to Tom, who has many 5 star ratings on here being praised as an expert mechanic and a stand up guy who really cares about your bike running well and safely. He is honest and is always looking to do the right thing. You can tell right away that he isn't trying to sell you extra parts or work that you don't need like many mechanics do. He treats the environment with respect, always using biodegradable materials when possible. What he does not treat with respect is every idiot who walks in to his shop looking to trick their bike out so they can terrorize the public with wheelies and burnouts and other unsafe conduct. He also will not show love to people who are looking to find the cheapest illegal way to keep their ratty bikes running, or those who want to hide their license plate under their fender type of mentality. When you come to Tom, you better come correct and you and your bike will leave his shop improved and smiling. I've learned so much about motorcycles from Tom in fact I'm surprised he doesn't charge me a teaching fee. Speaking of charging, if any one thinks that Tom charges too much, well you don't understand how labor compensation works. He works hard all day, getting each nut and bolt torqued just right preemptively solving future problems you will have on your bike while at the same time running a business single handedly answering phones, paying the rent, paying taxes, dealing with neighbors etc. He deserves to not be scraping the bottom just to have dinner tonight. His hourly rate for labor (I think its $95?) is not only well deserved, but I'm sure he needs it, and don't ever forget - you get what you pay for - and with Tom you get nothing but the best.The first time I went to Motorcycle Works Ltd, I came in with my SV 650 with an electrical problem. He fixed the problem in record time, and when he took it for a test ride he adjusted the play of the clutch lever. When I got on my bike next, I could not believe how much better the clutch felt and performed! It felt like a whole new riding experience because of the 10 seconds it took him to make an instinctual adjustment, not to mention the fact that that adjustment surely prolonged my clutch life. This man is truly the bike whisperer.

  Lee Owens
10 years ago
Motorcylce works is the best bike shop in town, period. Tom does amazing work and always goes above and beyond the standard repair. Some guys nickel and dime you or do the bare minimum. Tom always has fair prices and does great work- a few times he did additional repairs at no extra charge. I've been bringing my bike there for years and wouldn't take it anywhere else.

  Bernard Ortega
11 years ago
Highly recommended. Tom helped me out without a appointment when my ducati monster's slave cylinder crapped out on a road trip from home (Maryland)I can see why he may be shorter with some folks, but he was patient, polite, taught me critical lessons, and most importantly exercised thorough attention to detail, and helped me get back home safety.When I move up to NYC, he'll be the guy I bring my bike to

  A S W
6 years ago
Have been going to Tom for over a decade now. He's a master mechanic. Knows his craft, and honestly there aren't too many of his tribe left today in the tristate area. Absolutely thorough with his work. I've failed inspections with him, and haven't take that to heart as some of the other reviewers here are whining about. If you value another professional go to him. If you don't there are are others, am sure.And to those who complain about his attitude or personality, you are going to him for his professional expertise, and not to date him or have a beer !He's a walking talking encyolepedia with BMWs and many of the older bikes that were actually bikes before electronics took over.

  Taylor Myers
8 years ago
Tom is a professional. He knows everything there is to know about BMWs and will charge fair prices on whatever job needs to be done. He's been efficient, concise, fair, and is an encyclopedia to talk to. My K75 will keep coming back here until it's final ride.

  DAVID GARCIA
3 years ago
Brought my motorcycle to this shop. Upon asking a few questions regarding service, the person in charge (who I presume is the owner given his demeanor) was extremely dismissive and verbally aggressive to me. His language was covertly racially charged which consider abhorrent given this time and day.I give the worst rating possible and encourage readers to avoid this place. Behaviors like this give a bad name to our community and the only way to eradicate them is for patrons to stop bringing business to places like this which uphold bigotry.Avoid this place.

  Ben Kabatznik
8 years ago
Tom is awesome, great to find a local mechanic who is willing to charge you a fair price & do a great job. Added bonus that he will answer any question that you have, was very helpful & I learned a TON from a 5 minute conversation from him. My new go-to shop in NYC

  Rick Carter
8 years ago
Tom, did some work on my motorcycle and I am still alive. I think I will always use motorcycle works. I gotta call him to get my new tires put on. Pretty straight forward and no bullshit human. I would suggest if you have a motorcycle and you need repairs, check this place out.

  Nick Pavon
6 years ago
Broke a brake lever and needed one in a pinch called all around everyone told me special order. Tom said he might have something that would work to come on down. He had two brake levers from completely different bikes that fit. Had mine changed in a few minutes thanks Tom!

  Mike Klodginski
3 years ago
A#1 Shop Goblin. Sure he knows his stuff, but he'll go far out of his way to belittle/slime you with his miserable attitude while looking over your bike. If you enjoy absorbing epic personal disrespect in addition to not getting your work done this is the place for you!

  David Hunt
4 years ago
Tom is the only person I trust to work on my vintage airhead. His experience and attention to detail are second to none. I fully recommend him.