Hi team,
Just wanted to write a glowing recommendation for frekeyguy (he's far from freaky) as he assisted my first 2-wheeled purchase from beginning, and saw it through to the end. I had checked out a few bikes (500's mostly, and the odd greymarket 250-screamers) on my own and narrowed it down to a handful of choices. Fiaz drove his truck and trailer over to the final bike to give it an educated once over so I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. Picked up the bike for a steal of a price. The bike had been dropped and had been neglected for nearly a year--so a lot needed to be done to make it street-worthy and safe. Bought the bike and had her trailered-off to his shop the same night. After a few weeks, a well-sorted bike was delivered to my winter storage.
Over the past month or so (while I was overseas), he did the following:
- picked up and dropped off.
- totally rebuilt / straighten out the front end stays for the fairings (required welding/heating)
- safety cabled the cracked fairings (not a looker, but absolutely rock solid)
- heated up a few levers and pedals and bent them back into shape
- replaced rusted/stripped out nuts and bolts
- replaced/adjusted clutch/brake lever
- cleaned / rebuilt the carbs, synced them
- did a valve check / adjustment
- flushed brake fluid (front/rear)
- changed oil/filter
- cleaned out air box + air box mod
- flushed and changed coolant
- installed new gold chain
- cleaned out front sprocket cover
- installed new clutch cable and lubed and adjusted throttle cable
- cleaned and oiled everything during assembly
- new spark plugs
- turn signals
- polished up the forks
- replaced weathered vacuum/rubber hoses
- a bit of reinforcing welding here and there
- full winterization
- fixed electrical issue with horn.
- basically it's in safety-ready condition come spring
We had a preliminary list of the agreed "must do's". But along the way, if there was something out of place or in questionable condition, he made sure to shoot me a head's up, and give it a thorough once-over before moving on. I have nothing but appreciation for his attention to detail and looking out for a fellow gearhead.
He took pictures along the way to keep me updated with progress, explained to me my various choices (both new and rebuilding old) in replacing worn parts, and answered my questions along the way. I was initially going to rent a portion of my friend's shop for a month or two and do this all myself (garage is full to the brim) but his super reasonable prices made it a no-brainer to go with someone that's recommended by the community, with way more technical ability/familiarity than myself. Best of all, he has good working relationships with the local part suppliers and got better prices that I would have cold-calling suppliers. Support local businesses!
Listen, I'm a DIY-er myself, but when there's only two-rubber patches between you and your future, it's always a 'smart' investment to have someone with the know-how to help you remain rubber-side down. He helped me get the bike into ride-ready condition for the spring, and ensure that I'll be riding more than wrenching in my first year!
Very much looking forward to starting the riding season on a well-sorted bike vs a bike with hidden problems just waiting to make an appearance. Know that you'll be in good hands when you contact frekeyguy!
