There is a small garage located at 316 Carroll Street between Hoyt and Bond that has always intrigued me. Attached to the peeling brick wall are some funny signs: harshly worded warnings about not parking there as well as some neighborly do's and don'ts.
A rusted motorcycle chain spells out "Motorcycle repair" in script and next to it, a globe made of old springs dangles down.
The "Motorcycle Works Limited" has been there for a long time. The garage belongs to a man named Tom, who seems to be a motorcycle repair god who can be a bit temperamental judging from the Citysearch page.
This Tom seems to be quite a character. According to the reviews below, one should not attempt to use his services unless one has a thick skin. A motorcycle repairman with attitude, here in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn? Is anyone surprised?
Read on.
07/27/2007 Posted by nevilleross
I have taken my BMW motorcycle to Tom for over four years. I would not trust anyone else to touch my motorcycle. I have spent thousands of dollars on my classic BMW at Motorcycle Works Limited, and even though it hurt when I had to pay (cash only) I knew that one truly great (albeit moody) mechanic worked on it. Appointments only. A truly unique, New York City experience.
Good mechanic
He seems to evoke extreme responses - people either dislike him or revere him as a mechanical god. The truth is in between. He's a good mechanic, I've never had any problem with his work, and I trust him - he doesn't rip you off (certainly he charges less than the exorbitant Manhattan BMW!). It is sometimes hard to get an appointment. In a good mood he's really helpful, but other times it's like trying to deal with an irritable rock star or an exclusive maitre d . If you're thick-skinned or female, you'll probably do fine. If you're a sensitive soul and he makes you feel like you're asking him for a favor in looking at your bike, don't take it personally.
I have been going to Tom for over three years now. He has a wealth of knowledge and the first time I was there with my Honda Nighthawk he explained a whole bunch of stuff to me. Technically he is excellent. As other reviewers say he can be a bit moody, but I am sure that everyone going there do so for his professional skills, and not his inter-personal ones. You cannot walk in without an appointment. The guy works alone and has limited storage space so cant keep many bikes there. He does not mind if you hang around his shop and watch him work on your bike. He is the BMW guru, but did excellent work on my Honda Nighthawk and now my Yamaha Vmax. His rates are fair market price and definitely lower than the dealer. To the one reviewer who gave him negative....I think you should elaborate on the problem before you run him down.
Tom was recommended to me as a great mechanic, and I went there and spent $1800 on my bike. He treated me like I was asking him a favor to fix my bike and after that it still leaks oil and the battery dies all the time.....you figure out if you can trust this guy. When I called him to ask him to check the bike one more time (paid), he told me to go to see the BMW dealer....not very accountable. His mood changes with the weather, so he may be nice to you at first...but beware. He made me feel like I somehow did something wrong, when all I did was want him to fix my bike. What else is he there for? It's like having a waitress who makes $1.80 an hour and works for tips, but gives you terrible service and rolls her eyes when you ask for ketchup. Unfortunately, Tom is the only one there, so I'd STRONGLY recommend passing him by. My motorcycle is at the BMW dealer now, and I will NOT go to Tom again. P.S. He also only takes cash, so you definitely will have no chance of a refund or the ability to stop a payment if he doesn't follow through with fixing your bike.
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