What we offer at Randy's Cycle Service & Restoration Top
We offer 2 levels of restoration - Level A or Level B. Our restoration pricing
includes labor & parts. We no longer offer "mechanical only - get it running"
level of service.
What is Motorcycle Restoration? Top
To us, a total motorcycle restoration is more than a spray can paint job and
a new set of wheels. We believe it involves assessing the vehicle's overall
condition and knowing what's involved to return it to original, if not better,
condition that when it left the factory 30, 40, even 50 years ago. Our
restorations create more than just a pretty bike, but a mechanically sound,
reliable motorcycle you can enjoy for years to come with proper
maintenance. Restoration includes not only the parts that can be seen;
the frame, trim, chrome, wheels, speedometer and tachometer, but also the
engine, brakes, cooling system, electrical wiring, and fluid systems.
Level A Restoration = leaves no nut or bolt untouched, Top
no painted surface unpolished, no wiring untested, and
no part goes without inspection, repair, improvements or upgrades
• a complete disassembly down to the frame
• a thorough cleaning & inspection of the frame & all parts
• review of all safety items
• brake & master cylinder rebuilding
• replacement of all cables, hoses, lines, tires, rubber parts, etc.
• refurbishing or replacement of all bolts, nuts, screws & other hardware
• steering bearings replaced or repacked
Finding parts for an especially rare or unusual motorcycle - parts made of
"unobtainium" - is a job unto itself. Also, we often have to correct previous
"restorations" or service work to bring a bike up to our mechanical
standards & general safety. Then we're able to start the actually
restoration. For your safety & ours, we will not compromise on our
mechanical service & safety standards.
Phases of a Level A Restoration Top
Our Level A total restorations fall under the following general phases:
1: disassembly, cleaning & assessment
2: frame paint
3: engine rebuilding
4. carburetor rebuilding
5. wheels
6: first level of re-assembly / rolling chasis
7: body work paint
8: 2nd level of re-assembly / wiring & hoses
9: final assembly
10: test ride & fine tuning
Level B Restoration = focuses on mechanical repairs and Top
a limited amount of cosmetics such as painting, polishing,
re-plating or re-chroming. Major mechanical components are:
replacement of certain parts
boring & piston/rings replacement
crank shaft regrinding or replacement
regulator/rectifier, install Boyer Bransden electronic ignition, remove points,
correct "home-made" wiring systems, and service 6, 12, and 24 volt
systems
• Brake or Suspension Rebuild - brake caliper rebuild, master cylinder
rebuild, replace hoses or brake shoes/pads, replace shocks or front forks
• Level B Limited Cosmetic work - limited amount of painting, polish,
re-chroming, re-plating, new bolts or hardware - anything non-mechanical.
• For a list of all the services we offer, visit our Services page
Pricing for Level A or Level B Restorations Top
Cost & completion time are proportionate with the starting condition of the
bike (runs, doesn't run, "basket case"), extent of the restoration, type of
bike, parts availability & repairs needed.
• Level A: Show quality with total restoration of all mechanical &
cosmetics components - "down to the bare frame"
~ Starting at $13,000 US + 24 months for completion with $3K deposit
~ Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki or Suzuki start $15,000 US + 24 months
~ BMW and certain other brands will only be accepted as Level A
~ 0 to 50cc bikes start at $6,000 US + 12 months for completion with $2K
deposit
~ Basket case projects ONLY accepted as total restorations & may require
~ Pricing is for labor & parts
~ Completion date is estimated, not a guarantee
• Level B: Mechanically sound & w/limited cosmetic work (some paint
or chrome or polish)
~ Starting at $6,000 US + 18 months for completion with $2K deposit
~ Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki or Suzuki start $7,000 US + 18 months
for completion with $2K deposit
~ BMW and certain other brands will only be accepted as Level A
~ 0 to 50cc bikes start at $3,000 US + 12 months for completion with $1K
deposit
~ Pricing is for labor & parts
~ (Completion date is estimated, not a guarantee)
• We no longer offer "mechanical only - get it running" level of service.
View over 100 Examples of our Work Top
On this page, we have over 100 detailed examples of our work which includes
photographs, explanations of the work performed and accompanying videos
showing the bikes idling, running & being ridden. Scroll down or return to the
top of this page & use the directory on the upper right side of the page.
Our Process for Accepting New Projects Top
We have a very specific set of procedures - including a $180 non-refundable
estimate fee & in-depth project questionnaire - for accepting new projects.
Please read this entire section thoroughly including "IMPORTANT INFO."
1. Schedule an Appointment: To request a Restoration appointment,
email us (info@rcycle.com) the following:
• your full name, mailing address, daytime phone number & email address
• year / make / model of your bike
• several digital photos of the bike including side shots & close ups
• what level restoration are you interested in: Level A or B?
• ... if you chose Level B, what kind of work are you wanting to have done?
• is bike complete/in one piece OR in pieces/basket case/disassembled?
2. Email Reply: Within 24 hours we'll acknowledge your request for an appointment. Provide ALL the info requested in section 1.
3. Project Questionnaire: after your waiting list request is accepted, you'll receive an email with with 49 questions pertaining to your bike, the work desired, your budget, time frame and further details about
our service & restoration program.
4. Schedule Drop Off / Shipping : Once the completed questionnaire is received & we accept your project, we'll schedule an appointment for you to bring or have your bike shipped to our shop. We offer appointments Tues - Fri from 10AM to 6PM ET and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm ET. (Closed every Sun & Mon). We are located in central Virginia.
Directions: http://www.rcycle.com/location.html. The customer is responsible for transportation to & from our shop. We don't have a loading dock or fork lift so the transport company must be able to put the rolling bike on
the ground, not crated in a box.
Here are three suggestions on how to get your bike to us:
1. Pick-up truck or cargo van - borrow or rent
3. Motorcycle transport company - several customers have used HaulBikes.com with success. Average price from Midwest to East coast is $600 US with 6 to 8 weeks delivery (as of October 2010.) Note: HaulBikes uses tractor trailers. If one can't fit down your street, you'll need to make arrangements to meet the truck elsewhere.
5. Shop Visit & Estimate Fee: Payment of the $180 estimate fee (non-refundable) is due at the time of the visit. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check, Mastercard, Visa or PayPal to info@rcycle.com. Visits are for 1 hour & we'll help unload the bike from your truck or trailer.
6. Estimate Preparation: We require 8 weeks to prepare your estimate & the bike must be left at our shop the entire time. Our estimate is the blueprint detailing how we plan to restore or service your vintage motorcycle. We
inspect your bike with an experienced, critical eye looking for mechanical and safety issues, then cosmetic effects. We do our best to anticipate all labor hours and parts, but we reserve a cushion of 30 - 50%. Each estimate is
divided into "Mechanical" - parts & labor required to make the bike idle, run & be safe - and "Cosmetic". Mechanical work is nonnegotiable while Cosmetic can allow for choices.
7. Estimate Review / Deposit Requirement: Your estimate will be emailed to you as a Word 2007 document & will include digital photographs. You will have 7 days to review the Estimate. The deposit is required within 14 days of approval. Estimate questions, concerns, or changes can be handled at this time. You will be required to either sign the estimate or provide an email stating your acceptance.
8. Payments: You have a choice of either monthly or quarterly payment schedule and you also get to pick when you want your payment due - 1st of the month, middle or end. An email reminder will be sent to you a few days prior to the payment due date. We offer 0% financing. Cash Discount: Deposit or payments made via cash, money order, personal or bank check will receive a 2% bonus. Example: $2,000 deposit or payment paid in cash/check/money order will be credited to your estimate as $2,040 - a $40 bonus. This credit does not apply to debit card, credit card, or PayPal deposit or payments.
9. Progress Reports: Via E-mail you will receive monthly payment reminders, photographs & progress reports. Some months there may be little to report, but we will always be in touch. Call or email anytime for a status update.
10. Test Riding / Fine Tuning: You will be notified when the project is in its final stage of test riding & fine tuning. This stage can last 1 to 3 weeks & is weather dependent. Several road tests are performed on paved roads with varying speeds, straight-aways, and curves. Road testing requires safe road & weather conditions so there is no testing during rain, snow, sleet, ice or if there is sand & salt on the road. After road testing, your bike is giving a thorough cleaning & final inspection before it is released. Test riding averages 50 -100 miles. At this time we also video tape the bike idling, running and Randy riding it.
11. Completion / Final Payment: When your motorcycle is ready, it will be time to schedule a pick up appointment and prepare the final payment. Final payment is due at pick up time. We ask that when you come to pick up the bike, YOU take it for a test ride for no less than 10 miles (Virginia has a helmet law). If unable to test ride, a waiver will have to be signed. Questions or issues will be addressed before you head home.
12: Follow up: 1 week after final payment/pick up, we will contact you to follow up on the bike & ask how it's performing. Another contact will be made 4 weeks later. We offer a 30-day warranty on workmanship and want to know you're happy with your bike so we stay in touch.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Top
• Our restorations require sufficient time to test ride and fine tune the vehicle before being released to the customer. Test riding, fine tuning & inclement weather may add 1 to 4 weeks to the complete.
• 2 stroke motorcycles will be accepted on a case by case basis
• Any vehicle brought to us for restoration WILL be repaired correctly without reservation. Worn out carburetors = will be replaced. Worn clutch plates = will be replaced. Leaky engine = rebuilt. Sticky brakes = rebuilt/replace. Dry rotted tires & hoses = replaced. Decaying wiring harness = replaced. If your budget is an issue, optional or cosmetic work will be curtailed so proper mechanical servicing can be performed.
• No warranty/guarantee on used parts be they from your bike or purchased.
• We do not accept heavily modified motorcycles or race bikes.
• We will not compromise on safety related repairs or parts such as tires, brakes, or steering. If customer declines safety related repairs, we reserve the right to refuse service.
• Vehicles left at our shop 15 days after completion, decline of service, or Randy's Cycle Service & Restoration's refusal to service will be subject to $50 a day storage fees. Storage fees can only be paid with cash. (No check, credit cards or Paypal.
• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at anytime.
• We're closed between Christmas & New Years, 4th of July week, August 29, the week of Thanksgiving, and December 18. We also close throughout the year to attend bike shows & various events. Please visit our website’s Home Page for our up-to-date closure & event schedule.
• You understand your vintage motorcycle will NOT perform, be maintained, or have the comfort level of a modern motorcycle. You understand the charm & novelty vs. the reality of owning & operating a 30 to 60 year old machine.
We have the skills and creativity to make your vintage motorcycle look & run better than ever. Our credentials & expertise include:
• ASE Certification as a Master Technician
• Virginia Motor Vehicle Safety Inspector
• expert diagnostic skills that get to the root of a mechanical or electrical issue
• 23 years of extensive technical and mechanical repair experience
• expert parts research department
• on-site welding (TIG & MIG)
• on-site professional painting services
• on-site polishing (re-choming is done off-site)
How We are Different from other Shops 
Top
• We are all about stock vintage motorcycle restorations. Not tire changes, battery installations or selling you a bike.
• We're not about hype or the latest fad in the motorcycle world.
• We get to the root of a mechanical issue and solve the problem, not just "patch" on it.
• We keep our customers regularly informed of the progress on their service or restoration with phone calls, emails, digital photos, & videos of vintage bikes.
• We take the time to learn about you as a rider, your bike, its past, and what you want your bike's future to be.
• We give tours of our shop & work area to customers committing to a restoration. Nothing is hidden from view and no questions goes unanswered.
• We provide personalized restoration programs - Level A or B - which includes 0% financing.
• We offer upgrades to make your bike run & ride better than ever before
• We always test ride our bikes before assuming they are fixed. We also video tape the bikes idling & running.
• When we bring one of our bikes or a customer's vehicle to a bike show, we ride the bike in - not push it in. Our restorations not only look great, but run great as well.
• Restoration & service of vintage bikes is what we do year round - not as a hobby, not when things are slow or in the winter, not in our basement, we don't ship engines or paint out to another shop, we're not retired, we don't do this and work somewhere else. We are a legitimate business, not a hobbyist. THIS is what we do, all we, do full time.
• We always follow-up with our customers to find out how the bike is operating.
