Unity Cycle

This is a dated review on my experience from about 2 years ago.
I had been looking around for a shop to do a pretty large job on my 2003 Z1000. The bike had over 30K miles and honestly, the bike was not exactly taken care of. I had bought the bike at about 4K miles on it, and in a little under 2 years, place the extra 26k.
Anyway, I had noticed my bike was spewing gas from the mufflers and the engine just wasnt running right. I had bought a new head gasket, piston ring sets, I mean I was about to rebuild this sucker. I later then realized I had two problems. I dont have a garage, and I dont have the time to do this fix.
I started doing research and called a bunch of well known bigger shops. I was being quoted close to $ 1000 just for the head gasket replacement. I was beginning to lose hope that I would not be able to ride my bike during that season. I then heard of this place, Unity Cycle. I was skeptical at first, but then I decided to give them a shot.
I believe I spoke to a gentleman named Randy. All I remember is that he used to be a Kawasaki Technician for 10+ years and knows all the Kawasaki like the back of his hand. He told me to bring my bike in.
I take the bike and show him what I am working with. During the time I took it, it was off season, so I didnt need the bike back, which gave him the chance to look over the bike completely.
He found that my bike had required a new Head Gasket, luckily which I had, he had replaced the oil rings, although the bike didnt need them, and found that the problem causing the gas to come out was due to a faulty Power Commander. He removed it and the problem went away. While the bike was there, he replaced my chain and sprocket, had done a hell of a lot of work, that I was so excited to pick the bike up and ride it home instead of taking it by trailer.
I showed up and saw a pile of parts that Randy had replaced and he showed me how screwed up some things were. in the end, the total bill came up to just under $ 1000. LITERALLY WHAT OTHER SHOPS WERE CHARGING FOR 1 JOB! I was so pleased with the service they gave me, and as the review above, by the time we were leaving, other riders were showing up just to shoot the shit with the other guys. Dont be fooled by the location of this place or the appearance of the garage… these guys are PROS! I will definitely be going back to them if I have any other motorcycle needs!

I was looking to get a tire swapped out but had some time constraints. A lot of shops close before I get off work so I needed to find a place that would stay open after 6 or 7. There are a lot of other riders who have the equipment to do the tire change pretty cheaply. Usually for $ 20. However, the timing didn’t work out.
I got a referral for Unity Cycle. I had never heard of the shop before, but I’m always looking for good local motorcycle shops. I gave them a call and Tim told me he’d stay open for me. I decided to swing by that night and I was in and out in minutes. The price was $ 25 off the bike. That’s including the recycling fee and balance and mount.
I asked him if he could do a quick onceover on my bike and he told me to bring it in.
I needed a new chain and sprockets. I could do this myself, but it would take me a long time. I don’t have the proper tools or equipment so whenever I do my own work, it takes a lot longer and there is some trial and error.
Unity Cycle is in a small industrial area in Elgin off of route 31. It’s a little hidden in the back of a warehouse area, but the map is pretty accurate.
I decided to take my bike in and have Tim replace the chain, sprockets and do a basic checkup on my 13 year old SV. The rear brakes were worn so he was able to get those on as well. I was in and out in about an hour. The pricing was good. It’s obvious he’s not trying to rip anyone off.
The whole time we were talking about bikes and a couple of other guys came in too just to shoot the shit. Very casual atmosphere but that doesn’t take away from the quality of work. Tim has years of experience as a service manager at a local dealer service center. This is evident in how adeptly he works with the bike. He even told me to come in for a free chain alignment if I want once the chain loosens up a bit. I may take him up on the offer.
Highly recommended.