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Departure Bike Works

Motorcycle Repair Shops · 1729 Arlington Rd, Richmond, VA 23230

Family-owned independent shop serving Richmond since 1973, specializing in Harley-Davidson and Indian service and repair with a complete machine shop for custom and rebuild work.

What to ask a repair shop in Richmond, VA

  • 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.

Humidity and heat are the maintenance story here. Corrosion on electrical connectors and fasteners shows up early, tires age in the sun even when they are not being ridden, and summer afternoons are for shade, not long stints. Riding season is long, so service intervals come around faster than the calendar suggests.

Other motorcycle repair shops in Richmond, VA

Worth the ride from Richmond, VA

  • Virginia State Route 5 (John Tyler Memorial Highway)

    Viewpoint

    Fifty five miles of Virginia Byway along the James River to Williamsburg, a relaxed run past historic plantations.

  • Blue Ridge Parkway at Rockfish Gap

    Mountain View

    The Virginia gateway to the 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway, with a 45 mph limit and winding mountain curves.

  • Skyline Drive

    Viewpoint

    Bring the park pass for it, and budget time for stops, since 75 overlooks line the 105 miles.

All 7 places worth the ride near Richmond, VA →

Riding here?

Make Departure Bike Works a stop on your next ride. Find a route that passes by, schedule a group ride with it as the stop, or see how 2 Wheels in Common works for riders.