So I did the 250 mile trip (round trip...125 each way) to go see Donnie today. Dropped of my RS and Gwendy's 620 for some TLC. I had talked to Donnie by email some last year about a project for the 620, but other financial obligations stalled that for a bit....and I never got out to his shop.
What a great place. The atmosphere was happy and enthusiastic (a pretty big change from my normal dealer...who I like...but ...well...)
Tim's racebike up on the table...lots of other cool stuff in the shop....lots of cool stuff in the back area...interesting projects everywhere.
everyone was cool and happy to show me around and kick tires...while still quickly politely excusing themselves to make sure people coming in the door were taken care of.
Donnie is evil for letting me hear the sedici....my current toy money is tied up in our new commercial building which won't start paying off until next year....but I felt my wallet move when the bike revved...the plastic was trying to jump out into Donnie's hands.
Their estimate for the work I need was right at where it was in my head. I'll let people know my thoughts when I pick up the bikes.
As an initial impression well worth the long drive. I've been feeling pretty bad that the place I had been going was doing right by me, but people I referred there were not happy, and I must admit that the last two times I had been in it was just depressing and unpleasant to listen to employees being cursed at constantly.
Donnie was a great host when we went up there from Texas: took time to show us around, talked about the bikes in his collection, etc.
It's a top-notch place for sure. [thumbsup]
I only wish it was a bit closer to my house.... :P
wish I would have known about what time you were there. I didn't have anything to do yesterday so I found some nice backroads to winchester. ( I'm just north in Martinsburg) I could have met up with you! post up when you decide to pick the bikes up. I'll try to meet you there!
cool.
hopefully in about a week. I'll post prior to the drive next time. It'll be a weekday again. Then I'll be back later in the summer if (fingers crossed) DNA warranties my tank (it's grown/expanded into the ignition housing so can't be raised).
Quote from: Statler on June 07, 2009, 07:24:49 AM
cool.
hopefully in about a week. I'll post prior to the drive next time. It'll be a weekday again. Then I'll be back later in the summer if (fingers crossed) DNA warranties my tank (it's grown/expanded into the ignition housing so can't be raised).
Cool I work in the afternoon so I can probally meet you! and that sucks about the tank. Where are you coming from? (live)
Northeast of Baltimore. Basically opposite side of beltway from rt 70.
Some really good roads out there - trust me. - Gene
Happy with everything. amount came out to about $100 under quote (we were conservative when writing ticket). Even the little detail stuff that occassionally happens is a pleasure to discuss resolving with Donnie. (truy silly and nothing important).
He has won over all my service needs and any future bike purchases. To me it is now worth the day off driving. (I know this is a huge change from my previous postings and recomendations for those in my area...happy to discuss over a beer with anyone).