"New" member in Houston

Hey guys,

I'm not new by anyone's measure; however, I just relocated to Houston for a job. One of those "good career move" type of deals...

Anyhow, can anyone recommend a shop that works on these old bikes? I do most of the work myself, but sometimes I get in over my head and would like to have a place scouted out ahead of time.

Also, if anyone's around who's up for a ride, let me know!

Thanks!
Mark

Welcome to the bayou city Mark!

I can only give a tentative recommendation to one shop. The reason being is that I have not actually used his services, but I have met the owner. The shop is called Airline Motorcycle Center. Andre is active in the local vintage bike community and has a passion for Japanese fours. He has a killer CB550 that he built. He "seems" like a standup guy. Most shops around here cater to the Harley crowd and the will give you the standard nothing over 20yrs answer. The ones that don't will give you an outrageous price.

I can't ride right now since my bike is partially disassembled, but I hope to rectify that situation soon. I'm also happy to help you if time permits. I can't imagine anything that I couldn't sort out as I have done every bit of my bike. Maybe I suck at upholstery? I haven't tackled that yet on the bike. I did put the leather seats in our Mustang, and that worked out ok.

I echo what testarossa says...welcome to Houston...big city...where are you located? I can't add any more to what has been said...I gave up on finding a local shop to handle my questions and problems...which means my rebuilds generally progress at a snail's pace as I had to learn to tackle everything except mounting tires.

Welcome to the humidity!

I'm always up for riding, but I live about an hour south of downtown Houston. What part of Houston are you in?

I don't know of a local shop either. We have one here in town that claims to work on vintage bikes, but I work on mine myself so I've never used them.

Our local Kaw dealer is supposed to have a few guys who worked on KZ's back in the day. There is also another local guy I just heard about, works out of his house. I need to go visit him. If you really got in a bind I'm sure someone could be found to work on it.

Riding around here won't be near as scenic as where you come from. Mostly just flat straight roads, but there is hill country not very far from here.

Good luck in the new town, and the new job.
The relay has already been in Texas, and now that your no longer in CA, I guess you'll miss out?
Hope the climate suits you.

Motor Head wrote: Hope the climate suits you.

Hey...whats that supposed to mean? It's not that bad.....for about a month total out of the year. :blush:

74ullc wrote:

Motor Head wrote: Hope the climate suits you.

Hey...whats that supposed to mean? It's not that bad.....for about a month total out of the year. :blush:

Plenty of humidity I guess, but I wouldn't have it any other way, too used to it.

74ullc wrote:

Motor Head wrote: Hope the climate suits you.

Hey...whats that supposed to mean? It's not that bad.....for about a month total out of the year. :blush:

Just meant he won't be used to the heat or humidity. But he will get acclimated after awhile.
AC in good working condition.

LOL. Lived in Houston for 32 years. Nothing like 110 degrees in the shade, 100% humidity, in full riding gear. Ah, the taste of sweat as it dribbles down from your forehead.
OTOH, I rode year round. In fact, there were several years where all I had was a bike, an RD350. One of my favorite all time bikes.

koolaid_kid wrote: In fact, there were several years where all I had was a bike, an RD350. One of my favorite all time bikes.

Speaking of Houston and an RD350....this is only about 15 minutes from me. Very similar to an RD huh?

houston.craigslist.org/mcy/4086970326.html

I might call this guy and ask if I can just come see it. Maybe he will be up for it if I ride the KZ over.

Yes, that is a piston port model. The 350 was also a piston port engine in 1972. 1973 was the first year for the reed valve (RD) 350 and RD 250.

While this is off topic, I think the RD was one of the better bikes of its time. I don't think you could go wrong with that 250 either. Supper fun bikes to ride. Just can't go very far on a tank of fuel, small tank and lots of throttle. I had a 75 RD350 for quite a while, I had a hard time going 60 miles. But it was lots of fun. Even off the road in the dirt, that bike would rip!