Hamlin's Cycles - CT

[Cam3512]

Just got done spending the better part of today hangin' with Jim and his crew at Hamlin Cycles in CT.

http://hamlincycles.com

Needed some new skins on the V7, and some other work done so I figured I'd ride 190 miles (all slab) each way to give him some business and support.  What a GREAT shop!  Cool place to hang out, watch (or help) Jim work, check out all the Guzzis (he has a crapload on the floor), and just shoot the shit.  You guys in CT are very fortunate, but you already know that.  I wish him all the best.

BTW, those Motus' are incredible machines. Anyone got $40K they can lend me?

[jas67]

Looks like a very cool shop!    I will definitely have to stop by if I ever get up to that region.  It is a bit far from here though.

[kingoffleece]

Jim and I go back a fair bit.  You need to have him set you up with his suspension work.
He's done several for me and hundreds for riders all over.  I've been fortunate to assist him on several RaceTech front end jobs.  What an education.

I bought both my Guzzis there-only 400 miles each way!  We joke here in Western New York (we all know Jim from his Triumph days) that a bike is not right until it's "Hamlinized".

I'll be there June 1 to give my Norge the one time look over at 1600 miles and install a few farkles.

You'll all enjoy the experience.  He also has one of my seats on his personal Norge.

[Bud]

I've heard all good things about Hamlin's and am having the 6200 mi. service and new ME880's put on my Touring on Saturday. It sounds like I'll be happy. I'm in CT. but an hour and twenty minutes away, what we won't do for our Guzzis

[Lcarlson]

I've heard all good things about Hamlin's and am having the 6200 mi. service and new ME880's put on my Touring on Saturday. It sounds like I'll be happy. I'm in CT. but an hour and twenty minutes away, what we won't do for our Guzzis

As I noted today in a separate thread, I had Jim mount new ME 880s on my Custom as part of the 6000 mile service. I think you will not be disappointed with these tires. They've been around forever, but there's a reason for that....

[gerryp]

I've heard all good things about Hamlin's and am having the 6200 mi. service and new ME880's put on my Touring on Saturday. It sounds like I'll be happy. I'm in CT. but an hour and twenty minutes away, what we won't do for our Guzzis

Like KOF I got my latest ride at Hamlin Cycles.  Jim set me up with a customized 2015 V7 that has turned out to be the most fun bike I've had (it's my 5th bike).

I'm down in Guilford, CT and it takes me (depending on traffic) at least the same amount of time to get there.

I first met both Jim Hamlin and Jim Moribito (KOF) a few years ago at the Bennington Triumph Bash (I've had both a 2001 and a 2009 Sprint ST) in Bennington, VT.  & having both of these guys as friends has really made cycling a whole lot better.

 I was at Hamlin's cycles both days for the Motus event.  You owe it to yourself to at least visit the shop.  And if you stand around long enough you just might get  put to work.


Gerry

By the way cam (another great person to know) was the first person I met at the national last year in New Hampshire.

[kingoffleece]

Yep.  Motorcycling in New England has resulted in some great folks becoming friends.  The Guzzi experience has added to that quite a lot.

[Kev m]

Sounds like a great place - I wish him well!

[Bud]

     Can't say enough about Jim, his work, his shop and his team. I've always felt that because motorcycling is a seasonal sport here in  the northeast it's hard to find a veteran mechanic in small shop willing to go the extra mile and Jim does just that. I schedule a Saturday appointment, traveled an hour and a half one way and Jim completed the bike and I was on my way home, and all at a reasonable price. I will gladly travel to support him and his business and great service. He and his guys go out of their way to make you comfortable and involved with the process.
     The shop is amazing, clean and filled with Guzzis and at least 1 Motus. He even has a large lounge area with couches, magazines, music, a tv and a POOL TABLE. His team is made up of friendly motorcycle enthusiasts who are very accommodating.
     Jim was very meticulous and thorough working on my Touring, he even greased the clutch and brake handles.
     Most complaints about by Guzzi owners is getting good service. If you live within two or three hours away I would highly recommend Hamlin Cycles.

[Cam3512]

Agreed. I drove 3 hours one way to know it would be done right.  Were I to buy another new Guzzi, it would be there.  It would be nice to have his shop local to where I live, but it's not necessary.  If he was only 15 minutes away, I'd probably be hanging out there every day!

[Roebling3]

That close and you didn't even wave? Shame on you.  R3~

[blackcat]

Agreed. I drove 3 hours one way.....

All slab! You are a brave one.

[Cam3512]

All slab! You are a brave one.

Yup, that part sucked.

[gerryp]

Yup, that part sucked.

Cam,

What route do you take to get there?

Gerry

[kingoffleece]

I always plan an extra day in New England to see my friends at Hamlin Cycles.  Jim puts me to work-which I like!

[Cam3512]

Cam,

What route do you take to get there?

Gerry

I prefer GSP/287/87 N. in NY straight to 84 E.  I avoid any potential mess at the Tapanzee Bridge and NYC related traffic.  It's a little longer, but smoother sailing over Newburgh bridge.

[jas67]

I may end up in the Hudson River Valley for a weekend in October.    If I'm there, I'll ride over and pay them a visit!