As a woman who is super busy I needed an outlet to get away from it all without actually going away on vacation......I was encouraged by some of my male friends to take the MSF course and see if I liked riding a motorcycle. I have driven manual transmission cars, tractors, trucks, I learned to drive a motor boat and sail a sailing vessel...... It didn't take much convincing; I was game!
Fast forward....I did like it, a lot, I liked the freedom and the singular focus of enjoying and managing the ride, the wind.........I was bitten, I started reviewing and reading all I could to help myself to be a safer rider by looking for the right bike for my first bike and the right gear. I happened on a 2003 BMW f650cs, that was reviewed to be reliable and easy to handle with a balanced center of gravity, lighter weight and lower seat. Price was in my modest budget and it seemed like the right bike for me.........got it home and knew something was up as horn stopped working and battery was having trouble holding and keeping a charge (but seller had said it was a new battery??hmmm). As a new rider I wanted to focus on developing my riding skills, not doing my own wrenching! I knew I needed a local, relatable, trustworthy, and reliable motorcycle mechanic to support the well being of my new bike, so I can ride with the comfort of knowing I am doing the correct steps to ensure the safest experience possible.
I would like to say I found Carlos and Brooklyn Motor Works 1st, but sometimes you need to experience the elitist arrogance of some cranky (nicest way to say it.lol) old biker mechanic dudes who (only in the USA) think they are keeping the 'sport pure' and newbie woman riders are to be discouraged and treated with disdain. LMBO......I was treated like I was asking for a sympathy date when I called a few shops trying to make an appointment to bring the bike in for an evaluation - One shop owner actually said he would 'call me' next week, when he had time to look at his schedule to see if he could fit me in for an appointment. RIDICULOUS! Not sure why so many take this attitude, but me, my bike, and my money will go where we are treated as a valued customer who, if satisfied, will seek to have all my motorcycle repairs and upgrades with one good local motorcycle repair shop.
I was 0 for 2 with local shops when I decided to take a trip over to Brooklyn Motor Works in Red Hook (if you know where Ikea and Fairway Market is, it's easy to get to and 2 blocks walk from the B61 stop)............. all I can say is WOW...... what a difference! greeted like a human (not grunted at)...friendly, respected that I am a lady doing business in a male dominated arena and explained the process, evaluation fees to be deducted from repair fees if work done there (intellectual property is not free, ladies and gentlemen, it's earned over years of experience). Made me feel welcome, made sure I understood what rates were and variables of the time frame for work to be done depending on what issues were found during the evaluation. Turns out the electrical issues where not catastrophic and I had not bought a lemon. Prior owner added some aftermarket toys and spliced them in a poor location that, when removed to sell the bike, caused the parasitic drain on the battery. Brooklyn Motor Works was able to repair and return bike to me in 5 days and gave my bike a thumbs up and I have had no further electrical issues. Carlos guaranteed the work that was completed. All of the work was detailed in a very clear electronically emailed invoice, But, Carlos also took the time to explain all work completed and validate that I have a good bike that can go for many more miles when I picked up the bike. Can this go any better? No, it can't...it was perfect. Ladies, If you have gotten the gender-tude or you have to have a man along to translate your motorcycle needs, than your at the wrong shop. Take your business and your bike over to Brooklyn Motor Works - they appreciate diversity in people and motorcycles!
Bottom line: I'm new at this and it will take time and experience for me to become experienced. It is definitely encouraging to have friends who have no gender or MC brand bias and not only support, but encourage my riding skills growth. So, glad that I found Carlos and Brooklyn Motor Works to add to my circle of friends, as I needed to have a solid, sound, reasonable motorcycle mechanic to help me stay safe and enjoy this ride! read more