So far so good - I have taken my scooter here a couple times for tires, alignment and oil. I have been very pleased with the service, turn-around time and professionalism of Stephanie(?) who works the counter. Will return for more! read more

My 1970 Triumph Bonneville got a fresh engine recently and needed fresh tires that match the originals in size and brand. Jose and Dave got me back on the road with great attitudes and professionalism. They also pointed out a unrelated problem that needed addressing soon. Saved my life probably! New person at front desk,Christina was polite and courteous throughout my visit there. Would recommend KCE to anyone with a need for new tires, but especially "old school" motorcycle riders like me that appreciate vintage motorcycles of all makes and models. read more

I have to say - I am reading all these negative reviews and I'm kind of annoyed. A lot of this stuff seems weirdly 'personal', but then again... everyone has their own experiences. Mine was great. even though we've encountered some 'speed bumps'. Granted - it's been a few months since I've been to the shop, but now I am actually finding some time to post a feedback/review. I went in with a HD rear and blown bearing. Ken was great and very helpful from the very beginning and tried to work with me on getting the parts and eventually the wheel fixed. It took a few days to get all of it together and I rode off on my new/fixed up wheel. Unfortunately, the bearing blew again (for whatever reason) and i had to take the bike back a week or so later. The guys were great. I know that Ken and Nick and all other guys (sorry I suck with names:(() spent a lot of time working on the issue and most of all giving me a great 4-5 STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE. Even though we (they) weren't able to fix that wheel (not their fault but the product's!) - I did not have any problems with getting 100% of my money back. No hard feelings. Total professionalism. Great service! I would recommend KC. Period. read more

Dave at KC Engineering is the BEST. I was having some problems with the Electric Start and I brought it in this morning. It was a delight to see him work on my motorcycle. The way he analyzed the problem and the way he troubleshooted the issue - Even the issues that are not directly related to the problem. He fixed them nevertheless because they simply bothered him. A true perfectionist, with 30 years of experience to boot, who just refuses to settle for an okay job. Hard to find people like him these days. Great job hiring him, KC Engineering! read more

I have been going to KC engineering for a few years for simple issues for my scooters but will not be going back anymore. After my last visit, I seriously doubt their quality of work. I recently went in to have my rear tire changed (after I ran over a nail) and encountered a major issue after picking up my scooter. I drove about a block or so and a number of bolts sprung off the back all over the road resulting in the scooter to feel very off and to lose quite a bit of power. I was able to get back to the shop and a mechanic installed new bolts and made sure they were torqued correctly. I ended up going to another shop to ensure the rear wheel was put on correctly and that the scooter did not get damaged. I have never written a post on yelp but felt compelled to write this because I see this as a serious mistake that could have resulted in injury or real damage to the scooter. read more

I have been riding in the bay area for 24 years, and I have bought every effing tire I've ever owned at KC. I've also paid KC to patch about half of them because of all the nails, screws and staples I've picked up on our streets. In other words, I've given that shop thousands of dollars for rubber. But I can no longer recommend them. The prices have gotten too high for comfort, but most of all they have screwed me multiple times lately on simple stuff like basic customer service. They don't seem to realize how difficult it is to simply get a bike there when the tire is flat. And they think it is easy for us to "just drop it off". Well by definition "dropping it off" means I have to make four trips to and from there instead of two, and two of those trips have to be in someone else's vehicle. That means scheduling and calling in favors from a friend, giving money to Uber, or suffering Muni. Twice. And my job is not flexible, so I have to squeeze these things into the corners of the day. Plus, I tried to go there on three separate occasions for the same flat, and each time there was a different excuse: Day 1: "Our guy is on vacation, try again next week" Day 2: "Our guy's relative died, for sure we can do it tomorrow" Day 3: "Sorry, our guy has a sudden daycare issue, try Saturday morning" I'm not kidding. That means three wasted trips, each on a flat tire which I have to reflate every 30 minutes and I can't take on the freeway. Plus, I have daycare issues myself. Each time I thought I was going to fix my tire but get home late I had to arrange for a babysitter, only to have to cancel and reschedule. Now I'm supposed to try a fourth time? read more

One of my favorite establishments and most reliable resources for over 10 years. I have owned and restored dozens of vintage machines. I have for the most part, worked on my own bikes. I can't comment on KC for repairs as I have never personally had them work on any of my own bikes. I have however, had KC engineering install tires on a least a dozen or more bikes. They always had a wide range of choices to fit my budget and offered fast service. I have always closely double checked their work and it has always been spot on. I have also purchased countless in-stock parts from KC which I would have otherwise had to special order, or pay more for elsewhere. What I like about KC is that the owner Ken is really knowlegible and helpful as is the parts manager, Joey. I often have to scour around shops in the Bay area for parts. What I find more often than not, is that the average knowlege base of individuals working at a parts counter is very narrow and they will at timesattempt to maintain an air of authority even to the extent of giving mis information. In my experience I have found KC enginerering to be a good non pretentious real motorcycle shop. read more

I'm giving KC a 5 star rating based on about 25+ years of buying tires from them. I normally service my own bikes or take them to a specialist so I can't speak of the mechanical work the shop offers. As for buying tires at KC, they always have a great selection of in stock tires in the most popular sizes, and so far they have never scratched a rim or caused damage of any kind. They might be a little too liberal with the yellow crayon (to mark the right side of a rim) but that it better than getting a tire mounted backwards! I recommend getting there early as you can normally get a fast turnaround on a tire install. I have only one complaint...I have probably purchased over 200 tires here, and only one person who work(ed) there ever recalled my name when I showed up to buy tires. That was Lee Ann. I am sorry to see she's no longer there. Maybe I need to get a name tag that says, My name is Jim, and I have spent a shitload of money at Kc Engineering..... read more

You guys are great! Always best prices and quick tire changes, knowing how to work on all makes of bikes. I come over from Oakland anytime i need tires or advice.. cheers! read more

Stephanie operates this family owned business and they would try to help you out any way they can and it's just very convenient to come here and not worry about anything, and their tag line is the best...If they can't do it, no one can :D read more

KC Engineering is a solid shop to bring your bike to. I got a flat in San Francisco, called up the shop and Stephanie answered the phone. She said they could help me out. I got my bike towed home and bicycled my wheel over to the shop. I was met by Stephanie and we made a deal on a new tire. I went in to work, got a call two or three hours later that the job was finished. I picked up my wheel, paid, and was on my way. Doesn't get much easier than that to get a flat fixed in the city. Thanks for the help. read more

Found something stuck in my Tire, so I brought in my bike to KC. Without an appointment, they immediately took a look at the tire and actually removed the piece stuck in my tire. On top of this, they double-checked there was no actual puncture and checked my tire pressure. Couldn't have had a better experience! read more

Knowledgeable, friendly and very fast! Same day service, discounts for cash or Yelp check in. Will definitely come back. A business is only as good as its people and here they are authentic and genuine about their recommendations. read more

Francisco, thumbs up to you, amigo. My 1989 Honda PC800 Pacific Coast is running great thanks to your expert hands. Muchas gracias y hasta pronto (bueno, no tan pronto, espero). Thank you very much, see you soon. Well, not too soon I hope. Robertillo read more

My first encounter with K.C. Engineering was a random rear tire blowout while I was driving through the city on a Friday. I knew my regular guys didn't have the tire I needed in stock, but I knew K.C. Engineering did. I rode the bike there at all of 5 mph, just trying to keep the tire on the rim. Surprisingly, it stayed on, and I made it there. Anyways, K.C. engineering got a new tire and tube and rim strip in in about an hour and change. I rode it home, super happy. Come Monday, i have a flat tire. I check it out, it's still mint, not a gouge, nothing. The tire is fine. I call up K.C., tell them I had the bike in on Friday, that I hadn't ridden it all weekend, and it's flat. After a moment of silence on the other end, I was told that they were sending a towtruck to bring it in, and that if it was an error on their end, they wouldn't charge me for anything. Bike goes in and the verdict: defective tube. Random as hell. So, they apologize, even though the QC on tubes is not their fault, they put in a new, higher quality tube, check it about three more times, then apologize again. They were super cool about the whole thing. When I need a new rear tire (I'm thinking a Kenda dualsport tire, just to change things up) I'll probably be bringing it back in. read more

Every person at KC Engineering has been incredibly nice, supportive, and helpful. They have worked on my motorcycle, a Suzuki Intruder 800, a couple of times and they have taken care of the bike's issues very well. I highly recommend KC Engineering. read more

Tried to stop in here multiple times over past few months at 8-830am, and the shop was not open, with people waiting around outside. Frustrating. Please be there when you say you are open or else change your hours on your website. My buddy recommended and maybe its awesome, but I have been unable to find out. read more

I moved to SF in 2008 and a friend recommended this place to me in 2009. I was just there again this morning and it's about time I write a review because I do love and trust this shop. I've been riding for 40 years (Christ I'm old!), and I love to work on my bikes myself. However, for those times when you just don't want to do the work yourself, or it's a job you can't really do yourself, like mount new tires, I bring my bikes to KC Engineering. I know the job is not just going to get done right, but the price I was quoted is gonna be pretty spot on. I also get parts from them when I want to do the work on my own. I find the prices to be close to J&P Cycles but without the cost of shipping so it pays to shop there. read more

I have taken my Yamaha to KC Engineering three times. The first two times were for repairs. The third time I took it in for a tune-up, about two weeks ago. So far I am VERY happy with the work they do. My bike runs GREAT. Thanks! read more

Needed a new rear on my Victory. I called the shop and they had my tire in stock. Even though they were very busy they got me in and had the bike done at the time promised. Stephanie was very helpful and friendly. They only complaint I have is riding off with a blue wall and having to clean the tire off at home myself. Not a big deal since my bike needs a wash anyways. I would recomend this Shop. I will be a repeat customer. Thx KC engineering! read more

Always have a large selection of tires in stock and will change them in a timely fashion. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly and they offer a few different discounts depending on your purchase. Definitely one of the better motorcycle shops I've dealt with. read more

KC Engineering - Always have a large stock of all size and types of tire. This is the go to when you need it now - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

I took my BMW 650GS to KC Engineering to have a two hour maintenance service, install a new rear tire, and to replace the battery. They also found that one of the bolts holding the suspension together had broken -- it would not have been good if the bolt came off while riding. Thanks for catching that! The customer service was great; they called me several times to let me know the status of the bike, and they worked with me to make sure the required items were fixed. Would gladly recommend to others! read more

Solid shop of professionals. I've been bringing my motorcycles to this shop for three or four years now and I've always had excellent service. read more

TL;DR: I had a pretty terrible experience with KC Engineering. Three months, $600 later and my bike is exactly as it was when I brought it to them, plus some new scratches on the tank. I can't tell if they are incompetent or jerking me around. They are very friendly but their service is terrible and their motivation questionable. My bike was tipped over while parked in front of my place. I brought it to them thinking it would be a quick fix. They looked at it and said the frame was bent and needed to have it examined offsite before they could work on it. That required a tow ($150) and digital examination ($350) plus the cost of the estimate ($100). They also told me that the fork was bent and perhaps the bike was totaled. After the inspection they said the frame was fine and the fork wasn't bent. All it needed was new handlebars, new clutch lever, and a new engine cover and it would be fine. This entire process took three months. They were slow to respond (I had to follow up multiple times at every point in the process) extracted $600 from me without doing any actual work on the bike and kept me off my bike for months. Incredibly frustrating experience. I will not be hiring them to work on my bike and would not recommend them to anyone. read more

IF YOU HAVE HAD A TIRE CHANGE AT KC, CHECK YOUR WHEELS. Unfortunately, his review is for everyone who has ever worked with KC, as well as potential customers, and I'll explain why. I have had about 4 or 5 tire changes over the years at KC. I use them because they price-match on tires and because its one of the last small shops with some character, and they give a cash discount, which has always been weird. Last year someone hammered nails into my new Michelin's on a 2016 BMW S1000R, a flawless bike, and so I took it in for new fronts and rears. A few weeks later I started noticing dents and scratches all over the edge of the wheel. I didn't notice right away because of the angle. I took photos of the damage and posted questions about it on a BMW forum, and here's one of the more comprehensive answers I got: "As a guy who installs tires for folks, that was done by a power tire machine duck head. When installing the tire upper bead edge (the first side of tire already on and you're starting on the last side, the top while in the machine) things get tight. The tire pulls on the tire machine duck head (the business end of the installation arm) If you do not keep an eye on things this will happen because the operator has not kept the bead in the drop center. Just a few inches of bead up on the bead rim will make the tire so tight it pulls the duck head into the wheel edge. The operator needs to be constantly making sure that the tire has not gotten up and onto the bead rim, it can be a hassle and the use of a pivoting power arm is sometimes needed to hold sections of the tire down into the drop center. When it happens the operator knows it." So to my great disappointment, it seems KC shredded my new wheel, knew about it and passed it off to me anyway. I got an invoice from BMW for a new wheel and went back to KC to show Stephanie the damage. She asked me why I hadn't found it sooner, but still admitted fault. She said that replacing the wheel would "Kill her shop during the summer". She offered to have the wheel painted, but I told her I'd rather not do anything off brand. I lease the bike, and that felt like the makings of a bigger problem. I told her I would consider splitting the cost and to get back to me. A few days later their mechanic left me a voicemail saying he had a solution, and that solution was to paint my wheels. At this point, it seemed that calling and talking in person wasn't working, so I started documenting the issue via emails and wrote several on their website. They just stopped responding altogether. My insurance company told me that in order to get reimbursed by KC I would need to buy the wheel and have it installed at my expense, and the monthly would invoice KC, and MAYBE they get the money. So I let the incident fade out, in as much as having to stare at a scratched wheel on an otherwise perfect bike can fade into memory. After a year I finally went to trade-in, and of course, BMW called out the damage and quoted me for a new wheel. At this point I was just so pissed - KC had gotten away with something just by ignoring it. I wrote them one final email, this time more to the point, and told them a0 I did not want to go to small claims court, b) I did not ant to write this review, and c) I did not appreciate them ducking me for a year. Of course, I get a call from Stephanie herself the next day, and we proceeded to have a huge argument about why I waited a year, and how I don't know anything about how changing tires works. She insisted that I let her order the wheel at her special price, and install it at her shop. I told her I had waited a year because of the expense it would cause me going through my own insurance, to which she responded that her mom works in insurance, that's not how insurance works and demanded to speak directly to my insurance agent. She all but accused me of damaging the bike over the course of the last year and trying to get her to pay for it. I finally wrote her a personal email with images of the damage, referenced the above forum post, told her that I did not mind if she wanted to order the part at her cost, but she would need to ship it to BMW as I am never having any work down with KC again. Her response as of today has been to continually demand to speak to my insurance agent.t's my insurance company who wants KC to pay full price, including BMW's service time. I have tried to cut these guys a break since it happened, and being a nice guy has ruined my experience with KC. They don't value their customers or their repuration in the slightest, and Stephanie gives Zero F's. Another KC customer desperatey looking for a reason not to write a bad review and finding none. read more

Horrible- they took all day to change a tire-messed up the stick on weights. they told me i needed brakes and before i dropped it off i told them to replace them--then when i took it to another shop they said there was 50% left...2 days off work for a no lube treatment....Stay Away read more

One of the greatest experiences I've had at a motorcycle shop before. Stephanie and Rowen are one of the most unique employees to work with. Very professional, helpful, and enthusiast. They have gotten my bike taken care of immediately after showing a lot of empathy for my situation. Those are the dedicated people who result in a significant customer satisfaction. This place has been around for the longest time, and they have a lot of experience in handling all types of situations. I'm very impressed. Highly recommend! read more

This place has a dicey reputation, but I decided to give them a chance anyway. Unfortunately they blew it. I've had a total of two experiences with two shops, mostly because I live two blocks away. Here's a summary of those experiences: Experience 1: I couldn't remove my bar-ends from my new bike because of the copious amounts of red locktight that the factory applies to them (why they do this, I don't know). I needed an impact tool to do the job. I called KC up and they were willing to take my as a walk-in on a Saturday, for which I give them credit. When I arrived to the shop, the scene was rather chaotic. They were apparently behind schedule, and the manager was yelling at her staff - there were a lot of F-bombs being thrown around. I was already there so despite not being very comfortable, I decided not to bail and try and get the job done anyway. Once they were able to start working on my bike, their mechanic had a lot of trouble finding the right tools (apparently, because one of their mechanics had just quit the night before and took a bunch of his tools home with him or something). Eventually they found the right tools and after a lot of struggling, managed to get those bolts off without doing any damage to my bike, for which I gladly paid them $25. This is why I am leaving a 2-star and not a 1-star review. Experience 2: I needed to do a basic oil & filter change. I called a couple of nights prior to ensure that they opened at 8:00 am and wanted to make an appointment to drop my bike off. I was told I could just come by and drop it off since this is a simple job, and that yes, they open at 8:00 am. The opening time was important because I need to get to work by 9, so I need to drop my bike off early, and not many other shops seem to open before 9. I got there at 8:15 am. The shop was still closed. Calling the shop didn't forward the call anywhere useful and I could just hear the phone ring inside. I waited until 8:20. Then I went home. In summary: There are a lot of words you could use to describe KC Engineering. "Professional" is definitely not one of them. read more

I can tell you from experience if you know what you want and you understand the problem- its the place to go. Diagnostics-wise Id say to find another place. I brought them my GSXR, it ran pretty rough, I just bought it used. I asked specifically to get it running properly, and to PLEASE check the bike COMPLETELY out- my GF would be a passenger, and it HAD to be safe. I got a rough estimate and left the bike for the weekend. When I came back, Francisco had resunk the carbs and that was it! 400 bucks. No fluids were topped or checked, no safely check. Not one mention of anything else that needed to be done- I asked SPECIFICALLY to check it out completely. I wanted it SAFE. After riding it I noticed that it hesitated when throttling from a full stop. I brought it back, Francisco rode it and said there was nothing wrong with it, like it was my imagination or something! It still hesitates, and I'm looking for another repair/diagnostic shop. Ive been a customer there off and on since 2000, to be honest with you, its really hit or miss, for that reason I give it a 3. I realize its a business and they cant make everyone happy. My issue is if you cant trust a mechanic to take care of you its time to find another one. read more

Been going there for years. Great service techs and parts service person is super helpful.

First off, I really wanted to like Ken and his crew. A kind of a "hole in the wall" family business in downtown SF. They agreed to "work me in" as I was an out of state traveler. The local Trucker Rocky rep had called and got me an appointment when the north bay Suzuki dealer didn't have the parts. KC Engineering replaced the warped rotors with a discontinued model EBC disc they had in stock and within the time and costs estimates they had given me. I left and headed south continuing my tour with brake in instructions. Within a couple hundred miles I realized that at least on of the new disc was also warped. When I returned home in Utah I called KC Engineering about a warranty adjustment. It was not practicable to bring the bike "in" as I was around 1200 miles away. For a month I went back and forth with almost daily phone calls and/or emails. Most of KC's comments were that he was unable to get the manufacturer service rep to respond to him and he was always "so busy", rarely returning my phone calls. Frustrated I went directly to EBC and with in 24 hours I had a replacement set of rotors on the UPS truck headed my way. I had to purchase a Harbor Freight dial indicator for $35 to prove my point and it's amasing what you can do with digital photographs and email to present your case. It worked great with EBC but not so with KC Engineering. I would rate KC Engineering as technically competent but incompetent in business practices, especially customer service. Make sure you got what you wanted before paying and leaving. read more

Brought my, new to me, 20 yr old BMW in for tires. Talked to Stephanie at first and she was spot on with suggestions. Service was done the next day. The bike rides so much better now. Overall a really positive experience. read more

These guys suck. I had a good experience there buying tires once so I went back to have new rubber put on my old Yamaha. When the wheels were off they recommended brakes so I said go ahead. This Australian mechanic working there at the time was basically learning how to wrench, and they let him practice on my bike. I can mess my bike up on my own for free, that's not why I pay a mechanic. He put the master cylinder in backwards...twice. When I finally got the bike back, brake fluid had been splashed on the instruments and the paint causing blemishes and bubbles. This was a 4-hour job that took 3 DAYS, I was visiting the city from Santa Cruz at the time and had to sleep on a friends floor everytime they screwed up again. I was happy just to get the bike back in one piece. When I complained to Ken the owner about the terrible job his clueless rookie did, he was a real dick about it. The day I got it back it was raining, dangerous on slippery new tires, so another night sleeping on the floor. I should have sued them but I didn't want to spend another minute thinking about KC engineering. Never again. ps: About a year later I broke down in front of Subterranean Cycles, walked in for service and the Australian hack was behind the counter. I turned around, walked out and called a tow truck. read more

Scary place. About all it has going for it is that it's the cheapest place around to get tires, if you pay cash. They put my brakes back together wrong after changing a tire once, destroying the brake disc, wouldn't own up to it, and then had the nerve to offer a *discount* on fixing the damage. I ended up doing it myself. Also, if you sit around there waiting for your tires to be mounted, you get to hear them talking among themselves, which is somewhat enlightening, in a bad way. read more

Called to have my tire changed and the dude on the line said they'd have to nickel and dime me for an "outside tire fee" 'cos I had my own tire. I added the nickel and dime bit. read more

If you need motorcycle tires, look no further. The tech suggested some Dunlops to replace my worn Avons. He said,"Trust me, you'll like them." After a couple laps of Twin Peaks, I didn't like them. He mounted the new Avons and took back the Dunlops and waived the difference. This "test drive" on my own bike was accidental, but useful. There's nothing worse than being stuck with something you don't want. I can only assume that their mechanical service is as good, honest and reasonably priced. read more

I haven't done business with them, luckily, but I went to ask for the price of an old beat up Yamaha virago, that even had the instrument meters hanging loose, and the guy looks at it really quick and utters an outrageous $2,000 for it. He evidently tried to pull a fast one on me. What an asshat!! read more

They never put on a show--they just help you whenever and however they can. I've had slow leaks patched and tires replaced outright, and they've always been able to get the work done within a few hours of dropping off the bike. read more

My Vstar need a set of tires and KCE was the right stop. Prices were competitive and service was great. Called in ahead, made an appointment for the next day. Work done on time while I waited at Blue Bottle down the street. read more

I want to preface that this follow up is partially in response to the owner contacting me in private. I walked past this place recently, and there are indeed faded credit card stickers in the window. I want to be fair about this and admit that I am probably wrong about their not accepting credit cards. I've bumped my rating up one point for the benefit of the doubt. Only one point. I might be somewhat mistaken, but I still will not do business with this place again despite having moved to the city. The experience was unpleasant and has left a lasting negative impression. A word of advice: Please be up-front with your customers about how much your services cost. If there's a potential for an extra fee, this needs to be explained clearly, in advance. read more