AF1 Racing New Braunfels, TX

[SAFit07]

Howdy!

I just recently got back into riding last March. Of all things, I went the mega-scoot route and purchased an MP3 250. For getting to/from work 15 miles each way and it's worked great. Especially during last summers peak in fuel prices. From a purely utilitarian perspective, it could be argued it's 'perfect'.

Well, last June I decide to take the 'lil ones up to the Children's Museum they've got there in New Braunfels. Afterwards, I look down the road and notice an Aprilia shop/dealer. Ah, what the heck I'll give it a shot...the kids weren't acting too 'rowdy'.

I tell ya, for being a really novice rider and the apprehension I felt by bringing the 'lil ones in went quickly away upon being met by one of the owner's, Ed C. I got a tour of the place and the kids were really well behaved. Soon after, the wife got 'hooked' after I had brought her there soon after. After not feeling as if she was 'talked down to', she steered our next purchase towards them and we've been 'hooked'. We picked up the MANA back in late August and since then have utilized their very competivily priced service/maint shop. Heck, they just started and are still offering a pick-up/drop-off service which has come in really handy.

They'll pick-up in San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas and gauge/schedule it according to other needs in the area. From what I understand, it's a very reasonable price.

Anyhow, I highly recommend them for your next purchase of either an Aprilia or even Piaggio/Vespa (just started carrying them last summer). Heck, they've got a dyno too which they'll put any make/model on and evidently there aren't many around these parts. One of the owners updates on their forum w/ pics of what's been or is in the shop (http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/f...splay.php?f=45). Pretty cool stuff.

I'm also an addict to their forum they run too...

http://www.af1racing.com

[tonylonesome]

I totally agree.Ed and Micah are truly some good guys. I just stopped in to look also and Jon let me demo the shiver, bad move. I went back in 2 weeks later and after a lengthy demo of some different bikes I came home with my Tuono. The impressive part about it was that Jon came in on his day off to meet me. They put the Ohlins shock on my bike recently and were great about setting it up for my specific weight/height. I truck my bike down from Ft Worth,over 3 and a half hours to have service done, I'm that impressed with them. They went above and beyond with a scooter my niece bought at another dealer (they were sold out because of gas prices, trust me I sent her there first). The thing is that they are not just some guys trying to turn a profit, they are motorcyclist first and foremost and truly want to help others get out on the road.

[Shadman]

Not only are they nice guys, but the race bikes I've seen over the years that were prepped or purchased there have always been top notch. If AF1 had there hands on it, then it must be worth messing with. Good to hear they are nice guys as well. Micah helped me out on some YSR stuff a few years ago and was great via ebay and over the phone.

Peter

[ekms377]

I agree.....a cool bunch of guys. I wish their shop was closer but it may be a good thing it is not.

[buck000]

I've grown to be a huge fan of AF1 since first meeting them in their little Austin shop back around '03. Their commitment to quality service is amazing. I had one occasion where I had a problem with the Futura, called them in a panic, and they literally had the part on its way before I ordered it!

They are the kind of business that creates actual fans. For example, they have had Open House events in the past where people rode/trailered their 'prillers from all over the country just to hang out for a few days.

Last year, they rented Harris Hill in San Marcos to provide a free track day for any aprilia owner that showed up. It was an absolute blast. (By the way, a buddy of mine, a 30 year rider, rode the Tuono in a few session, and proclaimed it the best bike he'd ever ridden. He even thanked me again a few weeks ago for letting him take it around the track!)





Top, top shelf organization. Piaggio better have a great appreciation for how they help the aprilia, Piaggio, and Vespa brands...

They have an ID on this forum, so guys, I'm loving my Tuono and Futura, just haven't ridden 'em since January, due to a ripped meniscus.

[DLSGAP]

Originally Posted by buck000

Last year, they rented Harris Hill in San Marcos to provide a free track day for any aprilia owner that showed up. It was an absolute blast. (By the

Or any Aprilia borrower.. lol

I didn't make that one because the bike I planned to use was being used by someone else...

But every time I've heard of anyone dealing with AF1 for anything.. its been nothing but praises.

[ekms377]

Buck....can I borrow your Futura for a trip?

[SAFit07]

....

[SAFit07]

Just had our Mana & kiddo's Polaris ATV picked-up, serviced, and re-delivered.

I can't believe itz been almost 4 years now since we first came across them but once again, the quality of work was what I've come to expect from AF1. The price was great and heck, the two even came back cleaner than when they were picked-up! Lol

Itz probably why I'll stick w/ whatever they sell for my rides until I move or something is ever 'won' or 'given' to me.

As for the customer service, I still think itz a two-way street. You get treated right and don't expect anything 'too-out-of-the-ordinary', everything tends to work out alright.


Keep up the good work guys...itz been a great ride so far!

[Thrasherg]

AF1 is a fantastic store, Micah gave me loads of advice on getting my RG500 setup and then ran it on their Dyno and sorted out the gremlins, he also set up both my RZ350's. Everyone there is super friendly.. Can't give them enough praise, great bunch of guys and a great shop.. They go out of their way to help customers with warranty issue, I know personally that they have covered warranty issues (out of their own pocket) when the manufacture said it wasnt' a warranty issue and they disagreed..

I wish they had a store closer to Austin, but I still take the time to drive there when I needed parts (Or I did when I lived in Texas!!).

Gary

[Chirpy]

This close enough for you?

AF1 Racing
Aprilia / Moto Guzzi / Zero / Vespa Austin
304 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512)482-8377

[Thrasherg]

They were in Austin, then I arrived and they buggered off south, now I leave, they move back!! Are they trying to tell me something!!

No excuse to not go and see them!! I guess the Dyno and Micah are still down south?

Gary

[Buellboy]

There are two stores. One on Second Street in Austin. One in New Braunfels. They are
rare in the new M/C business model where owners want to just "move iron". I have
known Micah since he worked at the old Woods Fun Center on N. Lamar. He is a M/C
enthusiast, something that is hard to find in some stores right now. It means he "rides"
as well as "works on" motorcycles. It is his passion. Wish they had a store in Houston.

[SAFit07]

I guess the Dyno and Micah are still down south?

Yep. His passion lately is getting his 'flying license'. He's created a 2nd 'Whatz in the Shop' thread on their forum w/in the General Motorcycle section which is one my favorite threads to follow on the web.

Via the thread these Texas summers & the work via the Dyno has really taken a toll on him. I never knew a Dyno had such an effect on the human body.

The flying thing has really seemed to 'picked him up' though.

[Thrasherg]

My wife and I built a 2 seater kit helicopter (Rotorway Exec 162F) about 18 years ago and I would often talk about it with Mica.. He even had a nice little aircraft hanging up in the barn area at the side of their shop in New Braunsfel. He has always seemed interested in it, glad to hear he has taken the plunge and gone to the next level..

Gary