-
July 2023 by Marc T.
Purchase the used custom chopper. I wanted somebody to go through it and get it running smoothly. And make sure that it was safe since it was my first street bike. I grew up riding Motocross. So I was bit nervous on a road bike. Decided to give this shot my business since I had read a few good reviews. Boy was I wrong. 6 months he had the bike. Was charged over $1600. To replace the front tire. Clean and adjust carb . Fix oil leaks. Replace front forks axle assembly. Which I had to buy through another shop and bring to them . I was told to pay cash or Zella. Got a work order paper that was not a work done and completed receipt. It was more like a work intake paper. No proof that work was done and paid for. I guess they didn't want me having proof I paid for work that was done half ass. Takes a liability out of their hands. Got the bike back still leaking oil running like crap backfiring and the front end all out of whack. Called up to let him know that I had found oil lines that were rubbing and seeping oil. He made it sound like that wasn't there and I must have done something to sabotage it. Primary Ching casing was leaking inspection cover was leaking derby cover was leaking gaskets were supposed to be replaced but it seemed like they were the original. I brought it to another bike shop and was told that the accelerator pump in the carburetor was bad and that's why it was running like crap and backfiring. There was crap in the carburetor they said it looked like it had been cleaned but not all the way probably just opened up and sprayed blown out and put back together nothing was really broken down completely. They checked the filter in the petcock and that was clean fuel lines going to the carburetor needed to be replaced carburetor was not sealed completely and getting unfiltered air cannon air filter that he said he cleaned and oiled was smashed in the case and it needed to be thrown out. Primary chain was super loose and adjuster needed to be replaced so he never adjusted that or the clutch like he said. The worst part is he didn't work the front axle properly and messed it up ended up having to buy a new axle assembly and front forks. He replaced the front caliper that I purchased and brought to him and a brake line but didn't clean the brake fluid and didn't even check the rear brakes which the fluid was really bad. $2,500 later I finally have a bike that's safe and doesn't run like crap. Another thing when I picked up the bike and was trying to start it I had the petcock on and fuel was pouring out the bottom of the bike he told me that I have to shut the pack off right away if the engine is not running. I'm not a total idiot with motorcycles I am diesel technician and I knew the float was stuck and that's why the fuel is pouring out I fix that part myself and there was a bunch of crap in the float Bowl that he said he cleaned out. But the backfiring issue and the rough running was accelerated pump the other shop caught that right away. I was nothing but nice to Gustavo and even gave him a Snap-On angle gauge that I wasn't using. So he can figure out what the front rake was for the forks. Ended up giving me the wrong degree. But I didn't say anything. Money was not an issue I would have gladly paid a lot more if I would have got the bike fixed properly and safe to drive and I also would have brought a more business since I did grow up riding Motocross. I do have a few friends who ride Pro, compete in X Games, and spent plenty of time at the Metal Militia compound. I could have gotten plenty of customers.. I also had a few of my desert weekend buddies that we're going to bring their bikes to him but I definitely stopped that. His complaint I didn't give him enough information on the bike. My answer I'm not a motorcycle mechanic I brought it to him because he's a motorcycle mechanic. I thought he had the resources to look this stuff up. he hires to work on the motorcycles. I am very disappointed and disgusted. I could have been killed
-
December 2022 by Google user
Found this shop on Google and he took my bike in for some electrical repairs after months of calling around to different shops and getting refused. He did outstanding work. Fixed all issues for a fair price and had it back to me earlier than expected.
-
November 2022 by Floyd Waters
Found this shop on Google and he took my bike in for some electrical repairs after months of calling around to different shops and getting refused. He did outstanding work. Fixed all issues for a fair price and had it back to me earlier than expected.
-
October 2022 by Otis B.
I will definitely be returning customer. Gus is a good guy and straight shooter. Price Is fair and worth it.
-
August 2022 by Patrick F.
Highly recommend! Gives fair prices and honest about what needs and doesn't need fixing. My baby runs like a dream. Always remember, you're paying for the knowledge and experience Tavo or any other mechanic is providing you with. Otherwise you could have fixed your bike at your own home and save a lot of money... But you didn't. Please, don't complain that they charge too much if you need someone else to fix whatever you need fixing.
-
July 2022 by Ricardo A.
Contacted Tavo multiple times and no reply. I gave him the information for my motorcycles tire size via text, left a voicemail message and nothing. If your in Vista call Ride Now SoCal in Vista. They responded immediately and even sent a quote via text message. Wanted to support small business but can't when you can't get a response back.
-
June 2022 by Clement L.
New rider here, brought a bike in to have chain cleaned, wheels realigned, front cowl refastened, and general inspection. Estimated $325, realignment was not done (because what I really needed is a new handle bar) but was charged $310 anyways. I'd say I had an unpleasant experience but will try to be unbiased here. Here's the story of how I ended up paying $310 for an inspection, (deep) chain cleaning, bending in levers, bending in brace and refastening fender, 3(?) bolts, and a rubber grommet. Gus seems active here, so he can comment on anything that I misunderstood. I will say though, he's easy going and seems thorough, and managed to return my bike within half a day. I thought the initial quote was high, but decided it was acceptable (no line breakdown but I personally allocated $50 chain clean, $200 wheel alignment, $75 inspection / bend things back and refasten). The total came out to be $310, and I asked him about the breakdown. Gus: "I don't have a computer system to tell you each item, and I do a lot of things so not everything is written down. This is why I estimate a flat rate." Me: "Okay but help me understand, if I were to bring the bike in just for a chain cleaning how would you charge?" Gus: "$35" M: "So where did the rest of my $275 go?" G: "well I took this part out to give the chain a deep clean, I bent your levers back, replaced your kickstand spring since the lever was also hitting it, and had to take off your front fender completely to bend the brace back so that the holes would line up" M: "and what would a chain deep clean cost?" G: "$75" M: "and how much would you say you charged for the wheel alignment" G: "your alignment is actually fine, it's the handle bar that's bent M: "so you didn't do the alignment. how much would that be if you had to?" G: "that would be another $150 - $275" M: "I understand that your time is worth money -" G: "- and my expertise" M: "but i agreed to the $325 estimate because I know that an alignment is a big ticket item. since that wasn't done, shouldn't you knock the price down?" G: "no, if you have a problem with any estimate with a mechanic pricing you have to bring it up before the work is done" M: "everyone on yelp mentioned you price fairly, but i also I asked you to call me after your inspection" G: "... if it exceeds the maximum" Ultimately I paid for the work and was on my way. I've never had communication problems with any mechanic in asking for a line breakdown, or a call after inspection before work begins. If you do give Tavo's a try, I hope you have a better experience than I did.
-
May 2022 by R Reff
Tavo is a stand up dude. Quality work, with fair prices. He first did some work on my kids bike. Happy with the work he did. I opted to take my pride, and joy. My beloved girl( bike) in for some mods. Needless to say. He went above, and beyond and I couldn’t be happier. There’s alot of scammers or amateur motorcycle mechanics out there these days… Tavo is not one. I highly recommend Tavo’s Motorcycle repair shop in Vista.
-
April 2022 by Tom B.
This shop is a great independent place to get all sort of work done. I have a 2013 Yamaha Super Tenere 1200 and needed tires installed and some bar work done. He was busy but said bring it Monday and he would get it done that week. He called the next day with everything done. I rode the bike about 300+ miles roundtrip a day or two later. Everything he did was good. I will be back soon for brake rotor work. Fair pricing and good solid guy. I hate to share because I know he is busy.
-
July 2021 by Jeff Graham
Always have a great experience here. Highly recommend for motorcycle repair.
-
July 2021 by Michael Blair
The place the place is not open on the weekend they put a starter motor in my motorcycle and it works good but be aware they have not updated their hours
-
June 2021 by Scott S.
I had a great experience at Tavo's Motorcycles and am really appreciative of Gus in dealing with my motorcycle carb issue. I have not had great luck in the past at other establishments in motorcycle repair and I was very impressed with the communication from Gus on exactly what was going on with the bike from beginning to end. I also appreciated the feedback and tips for what to do if the bike has to sit for a long period of time without being run (I intend for the bike to NOT sit idle this time...). My carb / fuel issue is resolved and I really don't think that the bike has ever run this well... Also appreciate all of the line items on the invoice with the parts involved and exact detail on what Gus worked on. You don't see that a lot from other places either... Great job. Gus is very professional and I will definitely be back again..
-
April 2021 by David M.
Tavo takes pride in his business and has reasonable prices. A first time rider, I bought a 2001 Kawasaki Vulcan without knowing what I was getting into from someone who got it in a trade. Tavo showed it some tender loving care and it runs like a champ.
-
March 2021 by Brian Sidor
Unprofessional altitude and terrible workmanship. Definitely take your bike somewhere else
-
September 2020 by Nora C.
Tavo is very professional and knowledgeable! He replaced my husbands tire for his bike and it was done very quickly. We will totally be coming back if we need anything else!!!
