Ohio Mechanic Recommendations

[gearheadjim]

Hi Folks, new here looking for some assistance.  A quick introduction: I've owned my '72 Ambassador for about 25 years. Rode it regularly for 6 years then it started losing compression on one side.  With three kids in school I ran out of time and money to work on the bike so I moved it to the corner of the garage and covered it up waiting for the day when I could get back to it.  Fast forward 19 years, the kids have all graduated from college and have become productive members of society, my oldest daughter has even blessed us with our first grandchild.  It's now time to revive my broken, stored toys: the Guzzi, a '63 Lambretta, and a '65 VW Notchback.  I like to do as much of my own wrenching as possible within the limitations of my tools and skills.  With three substantial projects in front of me I've decided it would be worth farming out the Guzzi so that I can enjoy at least one of my toys while I work on the others. 

I'm looking for recommendations for a reputable mechanic within a couple hundred mile radius of central Ohio.  I'm aware of Cleveland Moto and have read good reviews of them here on the forums.  Also read good reviews of Cadre Cycle on these forums.  Most of what I've read has focused on newer bikes, has anyone had experience with either of those shops working on loop frame bikes?  Any recommendations for small, independent shops or even the Guzzi guru who works in his own garage?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Welcome to WG.  Some Ohio guys will probably show up. Is Dave Blue still in Ohio?

[john fish]

I have a friend in Parkersburg, WV (right across the river from Marietta, OH) who is a great mechanic.  Works out of his home.  Let me know if you are interested or you can PM him.  He is on this board as  Mark Dasher.

[et18]

+1 on Cadre, every time I go there they are working on a wide variety of bikes,most of them are older. I had them replace a clutch on a 94 BMW and they did a great job. Really honest people there, they won't BS you if they don't think they can do it.

[Trialsman]

I live in Pgh and take my bikes to Enzo at Cadre because of the quality of service. 

[Markcarovilli]

Welcome to WG.  I am also in Ohio - Akron area.

Not in Ohio but a loop expert I would suggest Charlie, a short trailer ride

http://www.antietamclassiccycle.com/

He is on board here

Mark

[Loop Tonti EV]

Welcome to WG.  I am also in Ohio - Akron area.

Not in Ohio but a loop expert I would suggest Charlie, a short trailer ride

http://www.antietamclassiccycle.com/

He is on board here

+1 You won't be disappointed.

Mark

[blu guzz]

Cadre has the incomparable Guzzi Dave.  Dave has been working on these things since dirt.  Last year, they restored a beautiful 70's era guzzi.  The problem will be time of course.  You have to see what their schedule is for bigger projects.  This is their busy time of year, so they are doing lots of tires, maint. and other jobs that turn over quickly.  The cold months are probably the best time to get a project tackled, but I would call and check availability now.

[nobleswood]

Gearheadjim,

My recommendation would be Cadre cycles, if nothing else take a trip down there & say 'Hi' . Enzo's a good guy to talk to & they like having Guzzi aficionados stop in. You can check out the shop & get a feel for what they can do for you. It's a small place not a motorcycle high volume dealer & the people there know & like their Guzzi's.

In the spring of 2018, Dave Blu was working restoring bikes for the owner of Brim's Imports In Kenton, Ohio. The guy has a vast collection of machinery. Whether he is still there I don't know but he also had a very small workspace.

[maquette]

If you don't mind trailering a little out of your mileage zone, Charlie Mullendore, as mentioned above is as good as it gets. Give him a call.

[gearheadjim]

Thanks for all the replies.  I'll check out Cadre for sure as well as some of the independents.  I don't plan to ride this fall so no rush, it's only been in storage for 19 years.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Prepare to swallow your teeth when you find out how much it will cost to pay someone to recommission that old Ambo.  It's worth it, though.

[grebmrof]

If you don't mind trailering a little out of your mileage zone, Charlie Mullendore, as mentioned above is as good as it gets. Give him a call.

...as stated, Charlie is THE BEST, hands down!