Harley Davidson and Buell Well Done are the speciality of the house. However, Lightning Services are more than capable of looking after your bike whatever the make - custom, classic or modern. There's always a friendly welcome for owners of all makes of motorcycle at Lightning Services' premises in the village of Hilperton near Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
Lightning Services offer Spares and Accessories sales, Motorcycle Fixed Price Menu Servicing, Motorcycle Tyre Supply and Fitting services and Workshop Repairs for all makes and types of motorcycle. Although Lightning Services is not an approved MOT Test Station, to complete the range of services on offer, they offer a MOT Test Service in conjunction with their local partner Riverside MOT Centre.
Fixed Price Service Menus are offered for most makes and models as well as Insurance Company Aproved Repairs, Engineering, Component Overhaul, Restoration, Refinishing and Customisation services. There's a specialist motorcycle only tyre bay - they even use the correct weights for wire spoke wheels rather than spoil that custom or classic wheel with stick on types. By combining the use of high quality consumables, OEM and equivalent or better aftermarket parts, years of experience, specialist knowledge and attention to detail along with the latest in Computerised Diagnostic Systems, Lightning Services can meet the needs of owners with the latest models as well as those with classic machines. Riders can be sure that their machine will be properly cared for at Lightning Services.
As well as OEM and Pattern parts, as an authorised dealership for the top names in the Harley Davidson and Custom aftermarket, Lightning Services can supply a wide range of parts for your custom bike, too. They can also commission bespoke motorcycle parts that are suitable for restorations, mild street customs or even the wildest of custom bikes. Baz also offers customers full custom bike building and for classic bikes full or part restoration services. Custom control cables and stainless steel hydraulic brake and clutch lines are made on the premises to pattern or to customer supplied specification.
Lightning Services has a loyal local customer base for their repair, routine servicing and tyre services - from commuter through sports, touring, custom and classic motorbikes. Parts orders come from as far a field as Finland and South Africa as well as all over the UK.
Lightning Services' owner, Baz, has almost 35 years engineering experience and just as many years experience of riding and working on British, European, American and yes even a few Japanese motorcycles over the years. With almost 25 years Harley Davidson experience - from Pan to Twin Cam - as well as more than 12 Years experience of Buells, its obvious why American V Twins are Lightning's speciality. Mind you, with over 60 years combined experience of British Motorcycles between them, Baz and Kevin are more than likely the men to look after your British Classic too.
Baz is hands on with both customers and their bikes - working in the workshop and tyre bay as well as the front of shop and parts counter. The Lightning Services' philosophy - Old Fashioned Values, Modern Techniques.
Baz and the guys are friendly. Knoligble. Did the work at the price quoted. . My carbs and petrol tank were cleaned and serviced properly and on time. I live in bristol so I needed a company I could trust.great job lightning services.
Company response : Thanks Chris. We aim to please. Rusty old tanks need a quality ethanol istant fue liner and carbs that've been stood benefit from our Ultrsonic Cleaning and Overhaul Service - and at only £60.oo per carb plus parts, it's a bargain service. Looking forward to seeing you on your completed resoration soon.
5.05
5.0 out of 5 -
17 Feb 2012
I've just picked my scooter up from Lightening Services, it was in an accident and needed bodywork, I also asked him to carry out its service, and want to publicise the fact that I had an amazing service from Baz! My bike was with him just over 4 days, which was what he said. He let me have cost estimates all the way through, and was very honest and up front about it. He didn't even complain about me pestering him with emails about progress. Baz is friendly, and explains things very well (I've never had a bike before so I don't have much of a clue about the mechanics of it). Finding somewhere you trust to take your expensive items is hard (I'm lucky with my car my brother is a mechanic and deals with it), I've never had to take any vehicle outside of the family and I trust Baz with my bike and will certainly recommend him. Thanks!
Company response : We aim to please, Helen. As we discussed, professionalism doesn't preclude a friendly approach. The extra day was actually down to the incorrect colour fairing panel being picked at the distributors warehouse. Beyond our control, but they too pulled out the stops with a next day delivery of the replacement gloss black panel. Glad we could sort out the warranty issues with the fuel gauge and lights at the same time. Thanks for the thumbs up. See you next service.
5.05
5.0 out of 5 -
13 Jan 2012
I needed my motorbike lowering and as a complete novice to everything regarding bikes I was advised to speak to Baz at Lightning Services. Baz actually listened to me and asked loads of questions to ensure he got the right product for me. He even pandered to my whim to have the shock powder coated so it was colour coded to my bike! I was also struggling with the original break and clutch levers and Baz suggested new dog leg levers. When the shock was ready to be fitted to the bike, a suitable day was arranged and Baz and Kevin had my bike for 4 hours, the shock was fitted as well as the new levers, again all colour coded to make my bike look even more gorgeous! Baz is always on the end of the phone or email and is full of great information, you won't go wrong using Lighting Services.
Company response : We aim to please! Thanks for the thumbs up, Jackie. We're always pleased when we get a new customer as a result of personal recomendation from another customer - it's worth far more than any paid for glossy magazine advert. The lowered Hagon shock we fitted really did sort out the seat height problem and we're pleased that you find the click2adjust Titax levers we recomended make the brake and clutch controls more manageable. The colour coding of the shock spring was well worth the effort as was replacing the Titax gold adjusters with black ones to complete that stealth look. All you need now is some warmer weather to really get out and about on your Ducati.
4.35
4.3 out of 5 -
8 Oct 2010
I contacted Baz at Lightning Services about a problem with my Harley Davidson Softail. The problem was with the starter motor cutting in whilst riding. I'd ridden it home like this last time out and there was now a smell of burning from the starter motor.
What a helpful guy. He spent time on the phone discussing the problem, then suggested I call over with the bike for him to have alook at the next day.
Baz was great. He sympathised, made me a cup of tea and explained what was needed. He explained that the initial fault was the switch and that he has changed quite a few for this very problem. The upshot was that I needed a new switch, and as a result of my riding home with the starter motor running a new starter relay and starter motor. Unfortunately only the switch and relay were in stock. So my Harley had to stay at Lightning Services. Baz ordered me an All Balls 1.4 Starter Motor. I called home on Baz's phone to arrange a lift and left my Harley in what appeared to be capable hands.
A few days later I received the call I was waiting for. My Harley was repaired. The starter had arrived and had been installed with the new switch and relay.
I am pleased to have found such a knowledgeable enthusiast in Baz to look after and service my Harley in the future. If you've got a Harley, give Lightning Services a call.
This was a very unfortunate situation because, like many others that have commented here, I found Baz to be very approachable and straight forward but I was misquoted on the price. It was to remove and fit wheel bearings to both of my wheels that were to be powder coated. We had a talk about the job and Baz told me it would be £50. However, when it came to paying for the job and I asked for confirmation that the price was £50 plus Vat Baz said that was per wheel. Now, clearly I was not happy to be told the price was double what I expected to pay but Baz was adamant he had not misquoted me and that he had said it was £50 per wheel. I found that Baz was extremely reluctant to understand what I was saying, which I suppose is understandable given that from his point of view I was asking to half the price. But he would not even try to appreciate my position in that the job had now doubled in price. He simply said that he does not misquote, that his prices for this service are fixed and on his website. That is all fine but not relevant to the simple issue that I was given a price verbally without seeing or being directed to the prices on his website. He also said that I had messed him around when asking for the bearing sizes so I could supply them myself. This was a change from what he had said previously because I had thanked Baz when he gave me this information and apologised for the hassle it might have caused and Baz told me it was 'not a problem'. To then hear Baz contradict himself by saying that I had messed him about and that it was a problem as he likes customers to order parts through him was confusing and contradictory. I suggested that we should have written the price down to avoid any confusion and he said that was not necessary as his prices are fixed, again that does not help me because all I remember is being told it was £50 and did not see and was not shown any fixed prices. I am not saying they are not there, just that I made the decision to ask Baz to carry out the work based on our conversation and nothing else. He also said that if he had written it down I would have accused him of writing it after I left the workshop, this again is uncomfortable to hear. At no point did I accuse Baz of deliberately misleading me. This was a very unfortunate situation and very regrettable made all the worse by the defensive and very unhelpful attitude shown by Baz when there was a problem. After meeting him I did not expect that he would be so callous.
I am sure that Baz is genuine in his belief that he did not misquote me but I am just as genuine in my belief that he did.
MY RESPONSE TO THE COMPANY'S FIRST REPLY First of all Baz has tried to discredit my review by saying that I have given the wrong price for the job. Baz quoted me £50 plus vat for the job and then said it was per wheel, eventually charging me £40 plus vat per wheel. So the price Baz eventually charged me was £40 plus vat per wheel but it certainly was not the price quoted as Baz now says.
Secondly, Baz has attempted to discredit me with the following comment about my dealings with other businesses saying, 'Stuart queried and then attempted to re-negotiate the invoice cost with both these other businesses after the job was completed'. This is very unfortunate and nothing short of scandalous! For the following reasons. I was not given and did not discuss a price with the local engineer before he helpfully removed the fasteners. Once he had completed the job he wanted £15 and so I offered him £10, which he accepted. This was not an attempt to 're-negotiate the invoice cost' as there wasn't an invoice to re-negotiate! In relation to the powder coater, I was not happy with the quality of the work on some of the parts and brought them back for the owner to comment. That owner then quoted me a ridiculously expensive price to do just ONE of the parts again which I thought was out of order. Again, I did not attempt to 're-negotiate the invoice cost', all I did was point out the poor quality of the work I had already paid for!
Therefore, given what actually happened, I find Baz's comments untruthful and underhanded. I also note that of all my comments Baz has only challenged, incorrectly, the price I was quoted leaving the account of the unreasonable attitude Baz displayed in response to my legitimate concern, to stand. I leave it to everyone else to make up their own minds. I have been honest and factual and, therefore I feel, given a fair review of what happened. I do feel badly let down by this Company and Baz's response has only added to that disappointment.
FINAL COMMENT 13-08-2010 No Baz, I do not wish for a 'tit-for-tat exchange' either. However, since you are keen to repeat and add to various myths about our encounter I will make one final effort to dispel them for the benefit of anyone reading this and thus enable them to make up their own minds having heard both sides.
I am afraid that Baz's apology for publishing incorrect and misleading information regarding my dealings with other businesses does not detract from the fact he made them in the first place. As Baz says, he did repeat the circumstances to me and so was fully aware of my side of the story yet that did not stop Baz from repeating them here. To now backtrack and suggest he might have been misled does not alter the fact that Baz made them in an ill advised attempt to discredit me.
The problem was that Baz did not charge me the price he quoted. That Baz removed and refitted the sprocket carrier bearing without further charges, grateful though I am, does not really lessen the blow. I had no choice other than to pay what Baz wanted as he would not release my property to me under any other circumstances, Baz made that perfectly clear. We did not discuss my restoration project and as for Baz's comment about 'assurances of no hard feelings on either side', I gave no such assurances whatsoever.
I can assure everyone that I pay close attention when someone gives me a price and find it far more likely that Baz, as someone who quotes on a frequent basis, would not recall the detail of every occasion.
I find that Baz's services, once I discovered their true cost, did not offer anything approaching 'excellent value for money' and if the justification for such extortionate charges is to compare them to main dealer prices then I don't think Baz has enough, or any, competition.
For me Baz your comments have eroded any remaining benefit of the doubt you might have been owed. I am very sorry to say that reading your response merely proves to me just how unreliable and untrustworthy you have been with me. I sincerely hope that no one else will experience this kind of treatment from you again.
Company response : Unfortunate indeed. Especially as I also removed the old and installed the new sprocket carrier bearing free of charge.
We offer a wheel bearing service on a fixed price basis which for this type of wheel & bearing is £40.00 + VAT Per Wheel. This is the price we quoted and charged Stuart. I see that it is different to the figure Stuart has quoted in his review.
I have been informed that Stuart has also fallen out with the firm who powdercoated his parts and a local engineer who removed some damaged fasteners for him. I understand that this was the same scenario:Stuart queried and then attempted to re-negotiate the invoice cost with both these other businesses after the job was completed.
I am satisfied that the quality of the work carried out was to our normal high standard and that the price charged was the price quoted. I am sure that the many positive reviews from customers will outweigh this negative one.
UPDATE 11/08/2010 I do not intend to get into an unfortunate tit-for-tat exchange. The information regarding Stuart's dealings with other local businesses came from the businesses involved. There's no documentary proof and so it is indeed heresay on both sides. If I have been misled as to the circumstances and repeated them here (as I did to Stuart at the time), then I apologise for that.
To recap, at Lightning Services we offer wheel bearing/seal replacement services on a fixed price basis depending upon the type of wheel and bearing: Harley Davidson tapered type wheel bearing - £20.00+VAT/Wheel Harley Davidson 2000+ sealed wheel bearing - £50.00+VAT/Wheel Other sealed wheel bearing - £40.00+VAT/Wheel This last is the price I quoted and charged Stuart. After I quoted for the work to remove and replace the wheel bearings, Stuart returned and I was asked what additional charge would be made to remove and replace the sprocket carrier bearing. I told Stuart that it would be Free of Charge as I would do this at the same time as the wheel bearings. Which is what happened.
I maintain that the price quoted was £40.00 + VAT per wheel which was the price charged. I am satisfied that the quality of the work carried out was to our usual high standard and offered excellent value for money. When the invoice was settled and the parts were handed over Stuart and I further discussed his restoration project and I gave some advice and guidance. All this was quite amicable. After this we parted with a handshake accompanied by Stuart's "thank you" and joint assurances of no hard feelings on either side over any misunderstanding regarding the price.
Personal recommendation is important to us here at Lightning Services. It is better than a paid advert. This is what brings in most of our new workshop customers. I believe that this fact and the positive customer reviews we have received over the years speaks for the quality, value for money and service here at Lightning Services.
5.05
5.0 out of 5 -
27 Mar 2010
Found Baz by chance. Cant rate him highly enough. It's great to find someone in the west wilts area with the skill, patience and willingness to help. If there is something he cant do he knows someone who can. Go on if it's bike related give him a try
Baz gave me a very pesonal service over the telephone. He was helpful in every respect, and my engine parts came back very well packed and better than I had heoped for. I shall call him for all my spares in future. Bob Turner - Wick Scotland
10k mile service. They phone you to explain extra costs if required, will not just plough ahead without your say so, and will keep your old parts to show why they required replacing.
I belong to a mcc. It is the only dealer we use that constantly gets positive results. From the first moment when talking to them you feel your bike is in safe hands. They sorted out problems with ease another dealer I had used before could not remedy. The bike now goes and rides better than it has ever done.
Will recommend and return even though dealer is over 1hr ride away.
I recently took my bike to Lightening Services for a new tyre and drive belt cover to be fitted to the rear wheel. I would recommend Lightening Services to anyone, who (like me) is looking for an traditional engineering-based business who can look after me and my bike (my pride and joy) with technical competence, good humour, flexibility and plain old fashioned good advice. Baz and Lightening Services definitely tick all the boxes. The service was excellent, the price reasonable and they even supplied a hot cup of tea on arrival after a chilly ride down from Basingstoke. I will definitely be using them again. They are everything a proper motorcycle workshop should be!
Baz of Lightning Services is the type of owner-mechanic you take a lifetime to find. Knowledgeable in his specialise subject, willing to explain in layman's language what needs done and carries out what is required at a reasonable price. Dealerships tend to be sausage machines. This independent motorcycle repair and service shop takes care of you and your 'bike as if it really mattered to them. Tyres changed, front and rear brakes repaired and then a 30,000 mile service. Three visits this year and all at reasonable cost. Highly recommended.
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Highly Recommended
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