I need a recommendation for a dirty bike mechanic

[boosten lebaron]

Technically not a dirty dike but my 72 rd350 is needing an engine rebuild. It's pretty much a basket case in boxes so I need a mechanic that can deal with that. It's basically a banshee motor minus the water cooling so maybe someone expert at those. My shed is freezing and for some reason my wife says no more motors in the house so I'm going to have to farm this out if I want to be riding it this spring.
Anyone got some recommendations for me? I was going to bring it to Vintage Smoke in NJ butthere is a lot of conflicting stories about whether or not he is even open or staying open? Idk but it's set off a tickle in my anus so I'm looking for alternatives. This will be just a motor rebuild and hopefully a bench test while the chassis is getting powder coated and straightened.

[whynot]

There is no alternative: Nova MC in Turners Falls MA

http://www.novamotorcycles.com/

Check them out on YT, FB, etc.

PS -- I have seen their work and builds having stopped in there many times. To me it's amazing the variety of work the take on and do well. They race at Loudon in USCRA. One of their bikes is a Yetman framed TD1 with and RD (I think) engine. Call, stop in and talk with Sayre Anthony.

[OreoGaborio]

There is no alternative: Nova MC in Turners Falls MA

http://www.novamotorcycles.com/

Check them out on YT, FB, etc.

I was gonna say... I don't know a whole lot about Nova, or the whole vintage/dirt mechanic scene, but they're the shop that immediately popped into my head as well.

[boosten lebaron]

Thanks guys. I have a small list of people to look into now. Keep them coming...

[boosten lebaron]

Man, I am not loving the prices I'm getting. It's a simple 2 stroke twin motor and I'm getting quotes of $4000 just for a top end. That's madness. A brand new motor is $4500 at that point. Is this really how things are now? This used to be a $6 or 700 job on the high end. For $4k I could go buy a kidnapper special van and just leave it running while I rebuild it myself in the back. I'm tempted to bring the motor up to my ski condo in VT and work it there. I don't use it so I don't care if I get everything dirty.

[TIMMYDUCK]

Excellent engine builder right here , he will not take you out to the cleaners.

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1547180409

If interested let me know and I will PM you his phone number .

[Paul_E_D]

Man, I am not loving the prices I'm getting. It's a simple 2 stroke twin motor and I'm getting quotes of $4000 just for a top end. That's madness. A brand new motor is $4500 at that point. Is this really how things are now? This used to be a $6 or 700 job on the high end. For $4k I could go buy a kidnapper special van and just leave it running while I rebuild it myself in the back. I'm tempted to bring the motor up to my ski condo in VT and work it there. I don't use it so I don't care if I get everything dirty.

Nova just did a 4t top end for me at reasonable cost. 700. I can't imagine they quotes you that much? Or are they too far for you?

[boosten lebaron]

Nova hasn't quoted me yet. I wanted to get some other quotes before i tried them so i had comps for the job. They may be cheaper but it would be way outside the norm for other shops in the area.
I am going to take the drive up there next week with motor in hand so they can see it in person for a quote. Its like a 3 hours round trip journey.
i also have timmyducks recommendation to try as well.

[Kurlon]

I suspect most shops are going to either flat out refuse, or quote VERY high just because of the age of the bike. Shops like Nova that actually want to work on vintage kit will likely serve you best.

[MUZ720]

Idk but it's set off a tickle in my anus so I'm looking for alternatives

:

[boosten lebaron]

Stopped by nova today to discuss my project. They will be taking it on in a few weeks. They are absolutely slammed. They seemed like they know there stuff, I didn't see anything in the shop newer than the 80s.

[Paul_E_D]

Right on! They are definitely the place for that bike. We also watch all the GP races there in season. Super fun place to be.

[boosten lebaron]

I saw like a little lounge seating area but they have so much work it was filled with bikes and parts. Seriously busy there.

[Paul_E_D]

Yeah, we open the roller doors and sit outside with the screen inside. Someone brings a pizza oven, or snacks. There's a brewery right across the street. Good times.

[typeone]

i was thinking of calling Nova about my locked up '71 Bombardier project. need to get the motor out and try to inspect first but they're on the top of my list to inquire with.

[boosten lebaron]

I can say they looking unlikely to have anything worked on before summer if it matters to you.

[typeone]

I can say they looking unlikely to have anything worked on before summer if it matters to you.

wow, i'm in no rush really, but hmmmm. thanks for the heads up

[boosten lebaron]

Just got an update from nova. They have finished my bottom end and have ordered new pistons. They have walnut blasted the motor cases so it won't look so grubby as well. Carbs are going to be blasted and gone through soon. Hopefully I will have it back sometime in May. They have been a pleasure to talk to and discuss options. Nothing is done without my consent which I personally like.

[03Worc9R]

Bump.

Any recommendations of anyone near Charlton, MA? I’d appreciate any local suggestions.

I am giving up on trying to tune my son’s TC85 and truly don’t want to deal with it anymore. I have too many projects going.

Only wants to run on new plugs now.
I have been messing with plugs, fuel and jets for months and can’t figure it out.
New air filter, new coil, Compression is 142 psi. Sunoco 98 can fuel and motul mix.
Don’t want to bring to a dealership.

[boosten lebaron]

I'm not far from you and my neighborhood is crawling with ktm's and huskies and every single one of them goes to Manchester Honda so I don't think there are any decent indies in the area.
Knight in Southbridge used to be the go to but they closed a while ago.
Maybe try hitting up 508 international and asking some of the riders? Those tc 85's are pretty popular there.

[FriskyDingo]

figure i'll add to this thread before starting one...

Friend has a 2006 Artic Cat 4WD 4wheeler, need some repairs on the AWD system, anyone have recommendations in the RI, eastern CT, souther MA areas?? Obviously closer better, but if only options are further north still listening..

THANKS!