Two of us traveled to Pattaya from Phnom Penh to have the Harley and Indian Serviced by reputable service centers.
We first met with Iron Horse behind 'Big C' on South Road. The owner is Lee but didn't get his surname.
Associated with Iron Horse but independently operating is an Aussie name Nick Shine who has been building and rebuilding Big bikes for some time.
There were two very good examples in the shop he had just completed.
Well, because Iron Horse were loosing their mechanic that week the work at the service shop was tight and so the Indian was only given a oil & filter change and a few minor adjustments to clutch etc.
I decided to try out Hot Rod on Pratamnak Soi 3, on the way to Jontiem. Gary was very accommodating and the Sportster was treated to a full service, battery lead change and a new regulator.
My bill was similar to the Indian works done by Iron Horse however, I had twice the work done.
Comparing the bills consumables from Iron Horse was at least 25% higher yet we had greater confidence with Hot Rod.
Gary's team had responded quickly when the Indian failed to start later that day, arriving and loading it on the pickup from Beach road with no fuss at all.
They found the starting gear loose and also the Sump drain plug requiring change due to being wrong size.
Both, if failed on our return could have been a catastrophic event particularly over the Cardamons.
To summarise; while Iron Horse was under pressure, some very minor things could have caused us great pain. Yet this should not be a factor when having rebuild works performed by Rick as they are independently operated. There is a possibility that the outgoing mechanic may have dropped the ball on his last day. So judgment is still open.
As for Hot Rod I have attempted to meet with Gary a couple of times on other trips but alas, timing was not in my favour with Holidays or whatever. Now finally having met Gary and witnessed the service and attitude at Hot Rod I am impressed and confident Harley, (and Indian) or other big bike owners will be able to order parts and get the level of service you deserve.
Iron-Horse Motorcycles, Pattaya, Thailand.
225/631 Moo 10 South Pattaya, Duck Square, Behind Big C, 20150 Pattaya, Chon Buri
p: +6638-373-169 f: +6638-374-458
http://www.ironhorsethailand.com [1]
Iron Horse - Rick shine; rick [dot] shine [at] hotmail [dot] com ; +6684-094-8455 for rebuilds.
HOT ROD - http://www.hotrodpattaya.com/ [2] ; +6686-326-4546
Address: 352/212 m12 Pratamnak 3 Pratamnak Road Pattaya city Thailand
Tel no:(066) 089-103-7342 Dealer Info Mon-Sat 10:30 - 19:00 Sun Day off
Gary; edhotrod [at] hotmail [dot] com
Coming soon to Pattaya is a fralang custom paint & detail shop promising fast turnarounds at realistic prices.
Regards,
Don