Topic: Desperately seeking mechanic in GTA

[Tim.]

Hello all - I'm looking for a good mechanic to work on my 1976 CB550F.  I believe it may need new rings (poor compression in 1&3), the carbs need to be cleaned/rebuilt (I have the 4 Keyster kits) and there's a small oil leak I'd like to take care of.

I'd normally do this myself, but I don't have the time or inclination at this point.  I've owned a 1977 CB750K, a 1973 CB500K and now this CB550F over the past 8 years, and frankly, have never had a full season of riding    I just want this bike to run and have some fun for the first time!

The bike is worth the investment (to me).  It's bone-stock, and I've put a ton of NOS parts on it.  I even scored a NOS brown vinyl seat for it on eBay for $50!  New controls, new cables, new everything.

I'm also looking for a painter to do a reasonable approximation of either the Sunrise Orange metal flake or more correct for 1976 Bright Orange paint.  Got new decals from www.reproductiondecals.com and have new tank badges on order from Honda

Let me know!

[david 750f]

Can't help with the mechanic..Just got my tank and tailpiece painted by Brad at BK Custom Coatings in Brantford. He did an excellent job and was highly recomended by Reproduction Decals. .

David

[retrogrrl]

I am going to check out Harbord Cycle, and Rosey Toes.  Another name that seems to be getting a lot of good reviews is Paul "Mad Man" Mason... he's out in Ajax/Pickering and apparently is a bike genius.

I am looking as well, so I will come back and post when I have really checked out some places

[Tim.]

Well, so far 109 Cycle is doing well by me.  They've recommended the right things thus far in my mind.  Granted, I'm into a full rebuild at this point, but Piston #3 had broken rings, scoring on the piston etc.  As it is, it was impossible to get standard sized piston rings (and one piston to replace the damaged #3) so it was cheaper to bore and replace with new pistons I got on eBay.

Not cheap, but my bike should run like new when I get it back next week.  I paid Victory Cycle $600 to do the carbs/timing etc. two years ago on my CB500K2, and it ran like junk afterwards (ran worse before though).  It likely needed the same rebuild, but he just wanted me out of there.  I ended up selling the bike for $600 the next spring (last year) when I bought the 550 I have now.

[retrogrrl]

Harbord Cycle/Riderz Corner is picking my bike up this morning.  I went by the shop on Wednesday, and saw that they had what looked to me like a 76 550 supersport sitting in one of the bays.  They also have a shop, which is a nice touch for downtown.... I think I will be glad not to shop at the motorcycle superstore... although they can be good for gloves and such.

I guess I will see how they are... so far I have heard some good things about them from the gta board, and they seem very nice.

I will continue to update y'all.

[retrogrrl]

Good guys, good service, good prices.  They have moved to 596 Ossington, and have a lot more space than before.  As with old bikes... they have to wait just as long as we do for parts most of the time.  They had no trouble using the bits I had found myself though.

I would recommend them.

[crash]

Good guys, good service, good prices.  They have moved to 596 Ossington, and have a lot more space than before.  As with old bikes... they have to wait just as long as we do for parts most of the time.  They had no trouble using the bits I had found myself though.

I would recommend them.

I am looking for a shop willing to do the work, and do a good job.  I have tried a couple of shops, Victory Cycle being one. But from previous post I think I will avoid them.  Cannot see 109 Cycle or Harbord Cycle in Canada411.com.  I am from Milton and the only reliable shops I know of here won't touch old Jap bikes, they only want to work on British bikes. One guy told me at this time of year it's not worth his while, he makes better money just doing tire replacements. Kind of shut me down on that one.  Also told me Jap parts are double what Brit parts cost, but who cares? He would be billing me for the parts anyway.

Let me know about this Harbord Cycle place if you could, thanks.

[el kabong]

i have two old japanese bikes that i had serviced recently by Westend Cycle in Brampton (905-450-5788).  he's currently moving his shop this month to Bellfountain, about 20 minutes north of brampton, and his new number will be 519-927-0162.  he did a good job for me.

[anne]

I recommend Rosey Toes. Ted's great.
I haven't been to Harbord Cycle. I've seen them. I actually live on Ossigngton St.
Are they familiar with vintage Honda's??

[retrogrrl]

They are good 416-850-0843 and they know the retro Hondas.  Have heard good things about Rosey Toes too.