Motorcycle repair and service in Oakland, CA

What to ask a repair shop in Oakland, CA

• Do you work on my make and year? A shop that mostly sees late-model Japanese bikes may not want a 1978 twin, and it is better to hear that on the phone than at the counter.
• Will you mount tires I bring in, and what does that cost? Many shops will, some will not, and the ones that do usually charge more per tire than for rubber they sold you.
• What is the diagnostic fee, and does it come off the repair if I go ahead? Ask before the bike is on the lift.
• Appointment or walk-in, and what is the turnaround right now? In season a good shop can be two or three weeks out.
• Can you collect a bike that will not run, or do I need to arrange a tow? Some service shops have a trailer; most do not.

Seasonal note

Heat is the maintenance story here. Check tire pressure cold before every ride (hot pavement adds a lot), watch coolant and oil levels through summer, and expect rubber to age faster than the tread wears. Early starts beat the afternoon on the bike and at the shop.