Motorcycle Racing Forum

Racing Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: klebs01 on February 11, 2009, 06:35:14 PM

Title: Engine/bike builder
Post by: klebs01 on February 11, 2009, 06:35:14 PM
Well I just picked up a couple of boxes of parts of what used to by my SV from what used to be 4&6.  Does anyone have any suggestions for someone in the Chicago/SE WI area that would be good to finish the build?  Would I be better off just selling the parts and starting over?  Or should I just go back to playing golf?  Its getting really difficult to trust people these days.
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: backMARKr on February 11, 2009, 07:42:55 PM
Try Ben Probst.... :thumb:

PM me and I will get you his contact #
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: mdr14 on February 11, 2009, 08:18:42 PM
Or you could always give Good ol Matt Drucker a call at MD Racing (309) 526-3246
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: skiandclimb on February 11, 2009, 09:09:56 PM
Quote from: backMARKr on February 11, 2009, 07:42:55 PM
Try Ben Probst....


+1
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: benprobst on February 11, 2009, 09:39:15 PM
Thanks for the kind words guys. Klebs, Id love to talk with you sometime. SV's are my specialty and I have been lucky enough to put together some of the faster bikes in the MW, or so I have heard from an occasional competitor. I can provide references, as well as results from past races. Give me a call sometime if you have any questions or just want to shoot the shit. My number is 314 574 1498 or 314 541 3435. Thanks man and hope to talk to you soon.
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: dylanfan53 on February 11, 2009, 11:11:21 PM
Bill Whisenant - Motorcycle Performance in Madison. 608-238-1195.  Bill has built many SV and Duc engines over the years and he'll give you what you ask for.
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Fast4fun on February 11, 2009, 11:49:34 PM
Did I miss a notice regarding 4&6 going out of business? Or is this another satisfied customer?
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: klebs01 on February 12, 2009, 12:09:30 AM
Quote from: Fast4fun on February 11, 2009, 11:49:34 PM
Did I miss a notice regarding 4&6 going out of business? Or is this another satisfied customer?

I got a call today saying Jim went AWAL and that they needed to be out of there spot.  Ed said that I needed to come pick up my bike (really just a bunch of parts at this point) so it didn't get thrown out on the street. 

To be honest, some of my experiences with the whole motorcycle industry have been pretty off putting.  Not sure if its bad luck or bad choices, but it seems like the industry could use a few more honest people.

This time, I would like to find someone that will finish the job.  I'll make some calls soon to those suggested.  Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: racerhall on February 12, 2009, 09:42:45 AM
call Jason Farrell, his shop is in Oshkosh wisconsin and is called speed tech racing
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Jeff on February 12, 2009, 10:48:12 AM
Quote from: mdr14 on February 11, 2009, 08:18:42 PM
Or you could always give Good ol Matt Drucker a call at MD Racing (309) 526-3246


+1...  Matt's a good shit.  Strong & reliable...
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Farmboy on February 12, 2009, 02:27:31 PM
Quote from: backMARKr on February 11, 2009, 07:42:55 PM
Try Ben Probst.... :thumb:

PM me and I will get you his contact #

+1000

Ben has built/rebuilt/worked on my buddy Hernan's SVs, and those bikes are fast, and given their  high level of tune, very reliable. I think you did some LW races last year; if so, you'll recall #619, either the blue or green bike. Moreover, Ben was able to pinpoint a problem in one of the bikes which several other builders missed. If I were an SV guy, I'd definitely be taking my bikes to Ben. (Unfortunately, I'm not, and I don't think his bikes will beat my Ducs this year - sorry, Ben. Nate, maybe you should sell your SV and start over with a nice 2 valve desmo...)
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Super Dave on February 12, 2009, 03:51:13 PM
Quote from: dylanfan53 on February 11, 2009, 11:11:21 PM
Bill Whisenant - Motorcycle Performance in Madison. 608-238-1195.  Bill has built many SV and Duc engines over the years and he'll give you what you ask for.
At this point, I would recommend Bill also, Nathan. 
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Dr675 on February 13, 2009, 03:36:23 PM
I will reiterate Jason Farrell and another option is Kevin Hanson's Safety First Racing, its only a few blocks from the 4&6 Shop.  Kevin is on his way to Indy right now, but Michael should be at the shop.
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: J Farrell / Speed Tech Motorsp on February 13, 2009, 04:08:56 PM
If you need a good honest engine builder. I can definatey do the job.
Give me a call at (920) 236-0000.

We have a great history of engine builds. Fast, reliable motors & bike setup.
CCS Midwest overall championships 3 years in a row. Proven reliability.

Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: LMsports on February 13, 2009, 05:28:08 PM
Lots of good choices being thrown around out there. I'm really sorry for your experiences, I really don't think they are the industry norm. Of all the names listed, the only one that I saw that I would consider an SV "specialist" would be Ben Probst. Jason does a good job, as does Valley Racing in the Chicago area. I know Matt Drucker has built some good motors as well. But I know all of them from big bike stuff. I don't believe that Safety First is doing their own engine building these days but rather contracting their work to Mark Junge of Vesrah Suzuki, who is reknowned for his work as well.
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Team_Serpent on February 16, 2009, 05:33:58 PM
Valley Racing
325 W 323 St.
Beecher, IL 60401

Ask for Brian Conley

If you would like SV references for Valley ask Ed Key or David Doe
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Burt Munro on February 17, 2009, 12:12:32 AM
Quote from: Farmboy on February 12, 2009, 02:27:31 PM

Moreover, Ben was able to pinpoint a problem in one of the bikes which several other builders missed. 

You mean when he checked to see if both carburetors were connected and not just one?  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: benprobst on February 17, 2009, 09:13:43 AM
Quote from: Burt Munro on February 17, 2009, 12:12:32 AM
You mean when he checked to see if both carburetors were connected and not just one?  :biggrin:

Nope that was the small problem, I wish they were all that way!. The big problem was 2 motors going boom (relatively) within hours from M.C.P., and 2 more motors going boom (relatively) from S.E. before I got my hands on them. Since then, no boom.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: RICKYROADRACER on February 17, 2009, 12:37:48 PM
+1  Matt Drucker MD RACING  Top Notch Engine building and support!!!!!!
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Burt Munro on February 17, 2009, 01:30:16 PM
Quote from: benprobst on February 17, 2009, 09:13:43 AM
  Since then, no boom.  :biggrin:
Just poking you.....  No doubt once you got Hernan sorted out he was on a winning bike!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: khanson on February 18, 2009, 08:58:41 AM
We can certainly do it....and yes I contract Mark Junge to build all of my motors.  Why reinvent the wheel when I've got access to one of the best builders in the U.S?

The thing I love about his stuff is its wicked fast and super reliable.

For those that feel compelled to blow up Vesrah's phone....please don't.  Mark doesn't want to do customer stuff because he's way to busy with everything he has going on and won't deal with it.

I worked out a deal with him because he does a LOT of motors for me and we've built a really good relationship over the last 7 years.

Give me a shout if you want to do something.
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: LMsports on February 18, 2009, 10:48:03 AM
Good point. Kevin seems the way to go if you want Marks work. Let Mark stay busy doing what he does best and let Kevin handle the logistics!
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: hernan52 on February 19, 2009, 07:31:11 PM
Nathan,

Last year I raced 13 races on a SV built by Ben Probst.

He also maintained it and prep it for every race.

The bike blew the field away.
(9 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third.)
Just an incredibly mean, well sorted machine.
(Ask Daddy Gu about his waiving me goodbye in the straights.....)

Ben was ALWAYS ready to help, solve problems and improve performance.
He also has the uncommon characteristic of thoroughly researching an issue before providing an easy answer.

I strongly recommend him for the job.  :thumb:

Please, feel free to PM me if you want to discuss further.

Best
Hernan
LW #619
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: GIGOLO on February 19, 2009, 07:44:59 PM
Quote from: hernan52 on February 19, 2009, 07:31:11 PM
(Ask Daddy Gu about his waiving me goodbye in the straights.....)

Actually, its Gu-daddy.  His Gu'ness would be offended. :thumb:
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: hernan52 on February 19, 2009, 07:52:26 PM
Oh rats!

I'm soooo sorry your Gu'ness.    :biggrin:
Title: Re: Engine/bike builder
Post by: Gixxerblade on February 20, 2009, 09:59:23 AM
What happened to 4&6? I have been away.