Shipped the bike to them for a job they said they specialize in. After over charging me by $3,000 from the original estimate and taking 3 months longer than the original timeframe, I received the bike back and it STILL leaks all over my garage floor. Two thumbs down read more

I have been to this shop and I used to feel they were a great shop, however, they've gone downhill to the point I need to share. There work is subpar, they drastically overcharge and I still had to go back to fix their carelessness. They badmouth everyone who works on bikes in town and will just complain about anything done to a bike that they didn't do. We have more choices in Austin for bike repairs, so choose wisely. read more

If could read it any lower, I would! Thinking of getting any work done at limey bikes? I would certainly think again! I can't believe this guy gets any good ratings with the quality of work or lack of quality of work they do! I had a vintage Yamaha tank lining done by them twice, and both of them failed miserably! read more

The British have a way of insulting you & getting you to agree with them. Pretty silly, don't you think? However...I'm from Texas & shooting straight is what any kind lady named Mrs. Gay would do. Take your busted bike to this fellow. A clean, organized shop with a lovely, COMPETENT female apprentice who is mentored by Chris the Limey. I can speak from experience that this fellow isn't here to rush any consultation just to punch the billable hour clock. The urge to question him will be strong; how does a Brit end up in Texas working mainly on Japanese motorcycles? If you do ask, he'll most likely answer with something sensible like, "Not a lot of British bikes running around Austin. Makes sense to work with what's here...doesn't it?" read more

Chris took the time to address a couple of issues on my cb125 at the drop of a hat. I showed up in the afternoon and he promptly stopped what he was doing to show my bike some love. After fixing the underlying issue of the problem I was having, I asked how much I owed him. Lets just say that I was shocked that he spent 45 minutes with me and only charged me pocket change. Also, I didn't know this when I showed up, but bring cash. Also, he REALLY knows older jap bikes. I will return to Chris from now on for everything that I can't do myself and you should do the same. read more

Chris is an absolute genius when it comes to vintage Japanese motorcycles. I've brought my 79 xs650 to him countless times - from rebuilding the engine to helping me restore it to original condition. Not only is he passionate about vintage bikes and his job, he is extremely affordable and always willing to lend his opinion and advice. His staff are just as awesome and useful. Limey bikes is the only place in Texas where you'll find a master vintage Japanese motorcycle mechanic. Oh and be sure to give him a call before you show up since he's always buried in bikes. If he does a good job bring him a cheeseburger. read more

It's hard to come by good mechanics these days, let alone knowledgeable, reasonable, and specialized ones. Not only do these guys definitely know their stuff regarding vintage Japanese bikes (and some British), they even surprised me by stocking traditionally hard-to-source parts for my CB550. Not to throw shade at anyone else's experiences, but it's hard to fathom leaving a 1-star review for Limey Bikes. If you're on Yelp to vet these guys, just stop reading reviews now and give them a call, or better yet, stop by and introduce yourself - solid group of guys, who will no doubt take care of your needs reasonably. read more

I had a great experience at Limey Bikes. This guy knows his stuff! The issue with my bike was NOT an easy fix. In fact, I took it to the shop I initially purchased the bike from and the mechanic who sold me my motorcycle told me he wasn't comfortable attempting the repair without taking the entire bike apart to assess the problem. Chris confirmed that it wasn't an easy fix but that if anyone could do it, it was him. He was right on the money. Not only did he take care of my motorcycle. But it ran MUCH MUCH MUCH better upon pickup. I purchased this bike from another mechanic in town about 2 months prior to taking it to Limey. The mechanic I purchased the bike from (I'm not in to bashing so he will remain unnamed) is also very well known around town and he had indicated that he had cleaned the carbs and a bunch of other work prior to selling it. I am not a motorcycle wiz by any means but I could not believe how much better this thing ran after 1 day in Limey's shop. This guy is the real deal! Don't waste your time or $ fooling around with anybody else. I won't be taking my bike to any other shop going forward. Chris' skills are unparalleled. LIMEY BIKES 4 LIFE! read more

I've read the reviews here, and I'm not at all sure why so many are good unless the owner of Limey Bikes just didn't like me. I've had my XS650 at his shop five times over the past 5 years, spent around $5000 on various repairs, and still do not have a running bike. It runs when I pick it up from the shop, but fails soon afterward. I have had to trailer it back to Austin several times (130 miles round trip) to have these issues corrected. The last time was an upper engine rebuild at around $3K. After I got it home, on the first ride, gasoline started leaking all over the engine as they cheap fuel cocks on it that I've had to replace, and the engine was leaking oil on the garage floor. They replaced my front master cylinder (without my permission) with some cheap off brand that had a silver colored handle, and my clutch lever is black. I bought a black one to replace it. They replaced both of my carburetors with old ones that look worse than the ones I had on there instead of rebuilding mine. They say they bored it oversize and replaced the pistons and some of the valves, but I question this as well. The engine was left greasy and filthy when replaced to the frame. They sand blasted my tappet covers and I had to replace them also as I tried to polish them with a bench polisher to no avail. After I taking the bike all the way back to Austin to have the leaks corrected, I got it back home and it would not start. It is not getting juice to any system on the bike. I replaced the battery and still nothing! I called Chris to let off some off steam and was told I must I be storing it in a garage with bad atmosphere! Really, Chris? They dented and scratched my gas tank in two places, and charged me $200 to clean out the rust for the second time. The first time was legit as the bike had sat up for a while. They coated the tank with something inside to seal it after removing the rust. It rusted again even after I'd emptied the tank for storage. They said the "new" anti-rust sealant was better than what they'd used the first time, but he still charged me again! I considered small claims court, but way too much trouble, especially during the Covid shutdown. So, this is my best effort at getting this off my chest. My advice is to avoid this shop AT ALL COST! If you do use them, be sure to clarify every single detail of what you're having done, and check around for pricing as I was truly ripped off! read more

I can't say enough good things about Chris . As the owner of 2 vintage Honda CB750's, he's done a significant amount of restoration work for me, as well as routine maintenance. Not only is it DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME AND ON TIME, his rates are more than reasonable. He's honest, shoots straight, and truly is a "know it all". Very simply, he's the best of the best. Hands down! read more

This review is overdue; if you own a vintage bike that needs maintenance, don't even think twice about it. Limey is the place you need. Chris and Elijah are extremely qualified and more importantly, they love what they do. They work quickly and offer reasonable rates for an independent shop that specializes in such a niche craft. One of the best shops in Austin and central Texas without a doubt. read more

The address won't help you find this place. Drive down old Koenig road. There will be a series of low slung industrial buildings, take the last right, right before the church. You'll know because it always has 3-5 vintage Japanese bikes outside, usually Hondas and Yamaha's. My friend bought a horrid cb650 with compression issues, 5 minutes with Chris and he figured out it was the timing chain being a tooth out. He now refers to Chris the "honda whisper". They really do know their stuff, even today I rolled by to ask about my sump leaking after I tried to fix it and they said slightly longer bolts might work because they usually bore them a bit longer. This is to save idiots like myself after I over tighten them. As far as I can tell they are always there, Sundays, Mondays.. This is just what they love and do. Who else would you want wrenching your bike? read more

So I got my hands on a nice 1981 Honda CB750K with only 6k miles an old man had setting in his garage, it needed the carbs gone through and a guy told me (at another bike shop) the only guy in town to take older bikes to was Chris at Limey Bikes. Well I tried to do it myself but when I was finished it only ran on one cylinder. Chis told me exactly what needed to be done and gave me tons of advise and had me fixed up in one day, when it comes to older bikes he is a wealth of knowledge...and time. DQ read more

I brought my 71' cl350 scrambler in to Chris and his partner to fix an electrical issue I was having for a few months. Not only did they correct the problem they did a complete tune up and got it running like new! They even re-welded my bent shifter, re-wired my headlight without me even me asking them to. These guys truly love vintage bikes and it shows. Very thorough and fast work. read more

After I bought a classic 1970 BSA Lightning 650, a British bike, I sought out a credible British bike specialist in Austin to check out the mechanical and operating aspects of my prize. Chris and Elija, both superior mechanics and very personable to to speak with, welcomed me into their shop. Cris, a British bike expert, knew the operating charistics of my bike and told me exactly what he recommended to make a 50 year old motorcycle reliable. He checked out the bike and replaced the stock mechanical ignition system with a Boyer electronic ignition. After a shakedown ride, a couple of things needed tweaked and he did so without additional charges. His fees and parts charges are fair and reasonable. I feel like I found the right place to entrust my BSA. I enthusiastically recommend Limey Bikes to anyone. read more

My Honda Cb500 has been out of commission for several months and I took it to several shops, talked to dozens of mechanics, and no one could figure out the issue. Stopped by Limey Bikes and Chris/Isaiah had it running awesome in 2 days, no problem. Chris is THE EXPERT on Japanese bikes. Can't imagine anyone having issues with this shop-- it was an ideal experience. very professional-- called me to update me on the progress of any repairs. Cost was exactly what I was quoted. read more

Limey Bikes are a pair of guys who really know their stuff! My grandfather gave me his dt175 and these guys fixed her right up! I spent weeks trying to figure out why I had no spark, searching forums, testing this replacing that... They were fairly busy so I dropped my bike off for them to check out when they had some time. A week later I get a call, "it's running!" This bike is 41 years old. Hasn't run in 6 years. It is now inspection worthy after being their hands. As their website states, bring them two whole milk lattes and they will give your bike a once over to tell you what they think. Good idea especially if you are looking at buying an old bike, have them check it out. Before and after took it to Limey Bikes, I talked with them for at least an hour of things to try, things to keep and eye on as I ride it, and some general maintenance tips I would have never found online. Their experience shows. To give you an idea, my bike wasn't in too bad a shape but they fixed the crank seal, cleaned up the points, fixed the reed valve, new battery, new tires, gave the electrical a once over, tuned up my oil pump, and a few other odds and ends. Overall they fit my budget of $1000. Saving me countless hours of dead ends. Yes they charge $85 an hour, BUT they don't mess around. If something takes them an hour, it's probably 6 or more hours worth of your time. read more

I have thought long and hard about this before writing. Looking through the reviews I have noticed that no one mentioned what work they had done or how much they paid. Let me start off with telling you that I forked over about $9,000 to Chris to make my 1977 XS650 a show room bike. There are pictures of it on his web site. Granted, Right out of the shop it looks awesome. There is no doubt about that. However , shortly after (less than 200 miles) I had to have the bike towed back to his shop because it would not start. Turns out that the carburetors were mis-adjusted and had fouled the plugs. He readjusted the carburetors , replaced the plugs and returned the bike to me. Shortly after, the top head gasket was leaking badly. Again I returned the bike to him and he replaced the head gasket for which he charged me like $400.... I said nothing. While I was driving the bike home I was almost there when the bike died. Apparently a pin that holds the ignition to the OHC had fallen out and so the spark to the plugs was non-existent. I paid nothing to have the pin replaced. He was gracious enough to pay half the towing charged to get the bike back to the shop. Shortly after I once again went back to have the clutch bearings upgraded and a new bendix on the starter motor installed because it was missing and making a grinding noise when I pressed the starter button. He assured me that the new bendix would cure the problem. This was another $600. The clutch seems to be nice and should last a long time (if the new bearing are actually installed). The starter still makes a grinding noise when trying engaged. There was no improvement what-so-ever. I have less than 2000 miles on the bike since I have forked over more than $9,000. The head is still seeping oil after his second attempt and is blackening the head. Over all. His shop is crowed and unorganized, His assistants are transient and I have not seen the same one there twice. If you want cheap quick repairs done Limey Bikes may be the place to go. If you are looking for an expensive rebuild with show room quality... look for a true profession. Limey bikes is a basic back yard repair shop. If anyone doubts what I am telling you I can supply images of the condition of the engine as it is today after 2000 miles. read more

Chris (The Limey) is extremely passionate about classic Japanese and British motorcycles. Yamaha, Honda, BSA, Suzuki and Kawasaki to name a few. If your looking to restore or purchase one of these old gems then The Limey is someone you ought to know. I can't thank him enough for his expert advise. Check out his super cool site at http://www.limeybikes.com. Up the Limey! read more

Limey Bikes - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - Austin, Texas

Totally disappointed. This guy is scam and is not a professional at all . He and his prodigy Isaiah, promised many things for me and my bike. I give him full reign to do his thing and make it one of his and what I got back was simply my bike put back together with the shittiest paint job the bike was leaking out the seals the light was put upside down the seat was missing the attachment devise it was leaking gas the tank was loose and the piss poor job of adding a fender to the rear wheel is way off and the brake lights don't work and finally the bike will not go into gear properly. Totally ruined my bike and ripped me off money wise. I just wanted my bike and him out of my life . I'll never send anyone his way. read more

I had previously reviewed this shop with five stars. Then I took my bike back 2 mos later for the same issues. This time had my bike for 3 mos. and paid $1600 for a bike that did not work, literally drove it 5 miles then would not start. Took it to a different Brit bike repair shop in Pflugerville and here is what they found: Chris had the bike completely timed wrong. The magneto was loose and the strap not even tightened. The dynamo had to be completely overhauled and there was an old shop rag left under the seat. The fuel pepcock leaked like crazy, did not before. The speedometer I had him installed did not work. The clutch was slipping like crazy. I paid 1600 essentially nothing. Oh he did rewire the bike, but wrong!!! read more

Overrated and way overpriced!!! Everything I had done here seemed to be a rush job and went 30-40% over the estimate. I have had to add a lot of things I had done at Limey Bikes back to the "to do" list...couple that w/loose bolts, leaky gaskets and no attention to detail and you've just lost a customer...plus he's rude! Only reason he got a star is because you can't give no stars! If you go to Limey's be prepared to pay out the nose!!! read more

Best. Ever. Bring him a burger and a milkshake if he's done right by your bike; trust me, he'll appreciate it.

Chris did an amazing job on our '83 Honda Shadow. Its carbs were so clogged that we barely made it into the shop. Luckily we got there and within 3 days, he had the bike purring like a kitten. The Shadow has found a new home for repair and maintenance. :-) The other reviewer also gave a good tip. Chris loves burgers and milkshakes. It's good to keep your mechanic happy, right? read more

After a few phone calls to various bike shops I was feeling less than enthused about getting my rare bike worked on. After a quick chat with Chris I decided to pop over for a visit and I am very glad I did. Chris is more than competent and obviously a fan of old bikes and his career choice. He makes going to the mechanic a fun/informative experience and I will trust him with all of my future repairs. He is very affordable, and embodies the culture that he exists in. Thanks for all of your help Chris! read more

Shame on me for having not left a review yet! Chris, I LOVE YOU! I was recommended to this place by a good friend and am forever grateful. I began riding at the beginning of this year and immediately fell in love. As a rookie I, of course, got a bit over my head when buying a sweet lookin' 74' Honda CB450. (Chris loves Honda's by the way *wink wink*). At first I didn't even have the confidence to ride the darn thing over there to get it checked out. Luckily my insurance paid for the trip, otherwise Chris has a friend who can tow your bike for about $40 (If I remember correctly). Chris knows what he's doing, he's friendly, engaging, and has a cute British accent if you're into that kind of thing. *Swoon*. Very reasonably priced, trustworthy, and an all around great guy. The CB purred so sweetly after Chris had his way with her. Magic hands I tell you! When it comes to vintage Brit or Jap bikes don't waste your time or money anywhere else. I only wish I could have brought the Limey with me on my move to San Fran. Miss ya bud! P.S. If you want to impress, bring bacon! read more

Chris did an excellent job bringing back to life (and appearance ) my stock 1978 xs650 standard. he knows the bikes inside out, works with the customers (he even setup my suspension to my weight and riding style). Huge benefit is that he has most parts in his shop such that the wait times are minimal. read more

Chris is a great guy! He has a small shop that was a bit hard to find. But he was very skilled and honest. Fixed my '81 suzuki ts100 within a day! I've found my new motorcycle mechanic in Austin! read more

I am pretty new the riding. I purchased an 80 CB750 and it was not in the best condition. I went to another shop to have a variety of work done. After many trips back the shop the bike was in worse condition. Slightly bugged, I ventured out to another shop. I found Limey. The guy gives to straight talk and solid results. My bike is running like a champ. This shop is my go to for everything now. read more

Chris is the master! The way he runs his business and quality of work is absolutely outstanding! Very reasonable with time and cost of service! He brought my 75' Honda CB360 back from the dead and then some! Thanks, Limey! I'll be back for my Pamco ignition soon! read more

This place is great. I brought in a 1972 Honda CT90 that was in big trouble. Chris had it rebuilt and in like-new condition in 2 weeks. Can't say how pleased I am with the whole experience. read more

Brought in my 79 Honda for a tune-up and maintenance of general items. Ended up spending like $500 and got it back in worse shape than I gave it to him. The carbs were leaking like a sieve, horn was busted, and my brake fluid holder now seeps fluid. Apparently my $500 was to trade in a few problems for a new set. I see all these other positive reviews and it makes me wonder what happened to my bike? What is it passed off to some mechanic who didn't know what they were doing? I don't think I'll be doing business with Limey again. read more

I'm not taking my bike anywhere else, but here from now on. Chris is very up front and honest, knows his stuff without being condescending. I have been so overcharged in the past, it's sickening. {I.e, Next time you think your solenoid is out, check and tighten your neutral switch) This guy is the real deal. Cheers, Chris. read more

Best experience! After months of work and much disappointment from another local shop, these two fixed my 76 Honda CB200 in a few hours. Both were very professional, and informative on what was happening on my bike. Chris made absolutely sure I was satisfied w/ my bike before I left and the price was very reasonable. Thanks guys for putting me back on the road!!!! read more

I am a shade tree mechanic and after I had attempted a cleanup of my Honda XR 400's carburetor, I needed a real mechanic.... I took in the carb to the owner who cleaned it, adjusted it and replaced an o-ring or two I had lost. He charged me about one hour's labor which was a great deal overall. I shudder to think what a Honda dealer would have charged for it. Bottom line, it is a great place with good, friendly, knowledgeable owner and staff. read more

If you have a vintage bike, you are throwing your money away if you don't bring it to Limey's first. Pure and simple. Chris and his team absolutely know vintage bikes and it is their passion. I brought my 75 xs650 to them after spending too much money and too many weeks waiting while another local shop was only able to get the bike running long enough to collect payment. Chris diagnosed the problems instantly (some had already been "fixed" by the other shop), he made repairs and got my bike back to me in two days. Incredible. The prices are fair and they do honest work. If you aren't happy, they will give you your money back. You won't be asking for your money back though. Your bike will get fixed and if it's anything like my experience, you will be stoked with how great your bike runs. Best experience with a mechanic of any type and they run circles around the other motorcycle shops. read more

What a delightful experience. This shop is the gold standard of what a motorcycle shop should be. Chris and his team have probably forgotten more about the art and science of motorbikes than most so-called mechanics even know. A true mechanic's mechanic and the real deal. Bike enthusiasts know that getting our old machines back on the road again is more than just some new parts and some elbow grease. It's about rediscovering an old friend that we've missed terribly. Its more than just the machine, but often about recapturing that feeling we had when we rode them way back in the day. That reconnection to the past glory of your bike can be priceless. If that's important to you but you still have a budget to live within, the guys at Limey Bikes deserve your business. Do yourself a favor and get your old friend over to Chris and his team. read more

My 1982 CM450A was covered with dust, rust, and crust after sitting under a lean-to in Terlingua Texas. A web search pulled up Limey Bikes. Chris, the proprietor and master mechanic at Limey Bikes, wasn't at all sure whether the bike was worth the bother. He agreed to see if it could be sorted out, and less than a week later I went to his hideaway shop on Old Koenig Rd. I was pleasantly surprised it was finisheds and running (actually purring). Chris is selective about what he works on, and when he will, and you get what you pay for. I bought the Honda on Craigslist (something Chris does not recommend). You'll be ahead if you bring a bacon cheeseburger as an offering, and get his advice on anything before you buy. In my case my head was firmly up a nether part and I listened to my heart. Hearts play no business in old/classic motorcycle purchases if you are not an old wrench (I'm just old). read more