Godspeed

 

0

10

Pocahontas W.

Emeryville, CA

Godspeed is RAD.

one of these days, i'm going to take advantage of their all you can eat saturday waffle brunch with mimosas.  yummm.

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2

3

C N.

Oakland, CA

Waffles: Delicious
Service: Fantastic
Beer: Cold
Ladies: Hot

I'm a chick, but come on, this place rocks even for us. I have to hand it to Godspeed: creating a shop where one goal of their Mission Statement is being helpful and non-biased towards women (go look it up on their website).

Their waffles are great on Saturdays! The breakfast is even good for kids. Who doesn't love cured pork product? Oh god... delicious bacon with delicious waffles. And an ice cold PBR... yes, for breakfast.

They have helped me Rat My Ride, and gotten a few parts for my 06CBR Ratbike. When that bike got crunched 5 weeks ago, they have continuously helped me jump through the insurance company's flaming hoops. They've looked out for me, and kept me riding safely.

Thanks, Desi, Zoe, Dan, Julio, Tilt... and others. But you guys (and ladies) have made my moto experiences AWESOME so far.

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Elite '08

145

314

Jessica P.

Oakland, CA

I'm on the lookout for my next tattoo artist and I heard this place was a melting pot of many services. I enjoy feeling like I've walked into Ozzy Osbourne's living room or any place that smells of leather and beer...and bacon. Something about that combination just puts me at ease. Don't look at me that way, I know I'm not alone.

I came here with the bad ass mofo man of my dreams for a pick me up brew and walk around the shop. It may not be a huge place or your traditional cafe, but I gotta say, I had the best damn club sandwich I've had in a while here, paper plates and all.

What more do I need than to listen to the humming of a needle creating art on skin, men in leather jackets talkin' shop, my man drooling over bikes and cheap beer? I may not be a biker chick, but I can tell the people who run this shop are a family. They love what they do, they love when you come there and I'm definitely up for motorcycles and mimosas any day. Let's do brunch with the big boys, shall we?

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Elite '08

137

247

Joe B.

Oakland, CA

It's the bike shop/cafe/bar equivalent of the Eat Bay Rats MC club: tough, cool, and on your side in a brawl when you need them.  This is a motorcycle lover's dream come true: bike culture, beer, grub, two big flat-panel TVs to entertain you while you're here, bike dynoing, even car dynoing!  These guys have their heart and soul in their business, and it's more about the love of what they're doing than the business.

They've got lots of tricks to make your bike faster, but you don't have to own a bike to hang out here - you can just dig the vibe and come in and hang out.  If you're in the mood for a tat, you can get that.  If you're not, have a few beers and the whole vibe of the place will get you in the mood.  This is the place where the 98 pound weakling goes in and comes out a badass mofo.  They've got a waffle, bacon, and mimosa breakfast for 7 bucks every Saturday from 10 to 3.  With an ample beer and wine menu, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like Steve McQueen, this might just be a great place for a first date when you want to play up your bad-boy side. ;)

Oakland is a rough town, but Godspeed will get you through it in one piece.

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Elite '08

149

209

Peg S.

Fremont, CA

True or False:

1.  I went into this motorcycle shop to get my Harley (Sportster XL50 1200 Custom to be exact) repaired.

2.  I went into this motorcycle shop to get a skull tattoo emblazoned on my right butt cheek.

3.  I went into this motorcycle shop for their $7 all you can eat waffles, bacon & mimosas (sadly, the latter are not endless) breakfast.  

Only one of the sentences is true.  Is it too obvious?  

4 stars mainly for cool atmosphere - badass dark, candelabras, and flat screen tvs.  Hardcore-looking from the outside, but welcoming hang out vibe inside - friendly staff, video games to play, neat motorcycle accessories/tees.  Very simple breakfast and good sandwich fare served with plastic utensils and paper cups/plates.  Not much seating at the counter top area in the mezzanine where the food is cooked and served.  Still, I absolutely love the idea of nibbling on waffles in a motorcycle shop.

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60

54

melissa r.

Oakland, CA

I love Godspeed for their all-you-can-eat waffles on Saturday's. I topped mine off with whipped cream and blueberries, and then washed it down with 2 mimosa's. Yay, I got my daily serving of fruits today!

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19

38

elle s.

Oakland, CA

i did not feel as though they cared very much about customer service, when i brought in one of my bikes to get a few levers repaired/looked at.  a replacement lever took weeks longer than initially estimated to acquire which inconvenienced me.  the vibe, imho, seems more like of an image rather than a business.

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1

26

Mavourneen L.

Oakland, CA

Okay, I admit it. Even after I read great reviews about this place on Yelp... I was just a little intimidated by... the testosterone aura.

You see, I am a woman, in fact, I am a woman who will admit to being over 40, and I wanted to buy a new motorcycle helmet...all by myself!

So I gathered up my brass ovaries and stepped inside and the place was buzzing. I went over to the racks of helmets and started checking them out. Fortunately, when I stood at the front counter to ask for help with sizing, I was greeted by Desirae. Desirae treated me with courtesy and kindness. She helped me with the whole size issue while I tried on a few that she suggested. I left with a new helmet, a spare visor on order and a new sense of confidence about going back to Godspeed. I will recommend them to all my friends!
Thank you!

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44

79

Jessica R.

Alameda, CA

When I was looking for a place to get my full sleeve tattoo, someone told me about Godspeed.  One stop shopping, tattoos, beer, waffles, and sport bikes.  

No tattoos, I was joking, but here's the real story.  When I was contemplating buying a dirt bike for my son, I spoke with one the guys from Godspeed (who happens to be the owner).  He made a great recommendation and also called a friend who worked at a motorsport retailer.  He got me a great deal on the dirt bike.  I bought/ordered all the gear I needed for my son and myself from Godspeed at good prices.  

Honest guys with a lot of experience.  Definitely 5 stars.

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Elite '08

105

149

Mortiche W.

Oakland, CA

I agree with what King M said- this place is the stuff of some people's wet dreams. I say some because there are the occasional weirdos that don't dream in metal, gasoline and horsepower.

This shop has it all: motorcyle shop, resident tattoo artist, bacon, beer, a tower of skulls and candelabra and decorated like a medieval castle, mood lighting, a dyno, giant projector screen, velvet cheetah print stairway leading to the cafe upstairs.

Dan and Zoe are a dynamic and cooler than you can ever imagine husband-wife team. Dan has crazy good skills with No2 systems amongst many other things, Zoe one of the most loved photographers in the Bay Area. Their tattoo artist isn't there just to occupy space- he's inked a large number of my friends and has a huge following.  "Norton" Aaron, the shop's general manager, is one of the most charismatic mofos you will ever have the pleasure of chatting with if he's not busy being helpful to someone else.

I haven't tried anything else except for the bacon and waffles and OJ because I love me some bacon. And waffles. And bacon and waffles with sweet syrup drifting inbetween them. They cook dem waffles and bacon gooood. Aaron offered to make me some bacon-egg-waffle "womlet" creation once but after my second serving of piggy goodness I jsut couldn't bring myself to eat anymore, but NEXT TIME! You will be MINE!

I would trust my bike to Nate and Zhiva, who have great ability to hear what type of death rattle your two wheels are making and help you get back to tearing up the streets. Their Merchandise shop has gear/equipment for every price range including jackets, helmets, t-shirts & hoodies, even really well built pocket knives.

With such a talented group of people, this place oozes so much cool my brain hurts. Hallelujah to this sweet moto shop that does everything so well, and with so much style. Support your local business!

update  7/01/07: Tragic loss of Nate McMahon to the Godspeed crew and EBRMC family due to a motorcycle accident. I love you Nate, and you will forever remain in our hearts and thoughts. Godspeed, brother. May you rest in peace.

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13

50

Sasha D.

Los Angeles, CA

Originally written on the "Bay Area Riders Forum."

Servicing my old-school Kawi around the Bay Area bike repair shops has been a roller-coaster ride: I'm glad I didn't barf, but at times it made me a bit sick.

The bad part: bike discrimination. After several visits, the seemingly friendly staff might show their true nature. Some technicians told me that they wouldn't perform certain services when I knew for a fact they would to other, newer bikes. Other, not-so-lazy ones overcharged me shamelessly. One elderly technician even told me to sell my beloved classic! I was progressively getting nauseated with people not appreciating the historical and aesthetic value of my project.
The good part of this ride started on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland.
Below read a secular review of "Godspeed." Outside, this bike heaven looks like your usual badass Oakland shop with skulls, tinted windows, and the neatly parked bikes, both parked and roaring. However, when you go inside you may forget where you came and what you came for. Imagine entering a courtyard of a medieval castle with arches that seem to be made of grey brick. The walls are decorated with skulls and the walls are reflecting the ubiquitous dimmed red light. Surreal? Definitely. If not for the huge projected TV screen and sofas around it and a friendly greeting from the front desk, my attention would have probably wandered straight ahead, into the 'armory' of this castle.

The first time I was there, I was helped surprisingly quickly. Within 5 minutes of them filling out my order form, I was offered to "go upstairs and grab a beer or a sandwich." Appropriately starving and thirsty, I followed the narrow stairs to a balcony, at the end of which I found myself in a bar/lounge/game room/art gallery. Here I ordered a delicious panini sandwich and started talking to people. The bar/caf balcony overlooked the lounge (courtyard) area that had a projected TV screen and several sofas around it. The balcony itself had pretty cool artwork on the wall along with an Xbox flat screen. I then realized the stress-free, kick-back mood I got submerged into--the exactly what the designer/owner of this unusual shop had in mind: a place for friends who like bikes. I thought to myself that this lack of pretense to be badass in a clich rude, Neanderthal way that many other bike shops exhibit--is not present here at all. The Godspeed staff and clientele are dedicated motorcycle enthusiasts (beginner or veteran) and not a bunch of obnoxious teenagers with loud exhausts--important part of any shop's image. In fact, the professionalism, knowledge, and expertise of these guys were more badass and admirable than an immature "tough-guy" mentality of other places I've been to. Interestingly enough, after I started talking to the guy next to me--not even a rider--he told me that the food and the cool atmosphere was why he drove to Godspeed every week for his lunch break! The diversity of the people at Godspeed was amazing: from members of the East Bay Rats motorcycle club to a UC Berkeley PhD student (with his girlfriend) to a businessman--this place was more than I had expected.

But back to the actual shop. Unlike interacting with cold, bureaucratic staff at other shops, I liked the Godspeed crew for their professional, and yet warm and genuine communication style. Here, they are dedicated to helping you and you get a sense of them wanting to be there and not doing a mundane corporate 9-5. Not only did these guys (and ladies) help me with my bike's maintenance issues, but they also researched and tracked down specific parts that I needed on numerous occasions. Bullshit doesn't run here. They make recommendations and share their opinion in such an impartial and informal way, that you sometimes think they've known you for years instead of hours. It got to the point that after a couple of visits, I felt completely at home at Godspeed. Whenever I had to leave my bike there, I always received phone calls that sounded more like me talking to my old friend rather than to my mechanic. How often do you speak to your shop in "Hey, how are you, what did you do this weekend" kind of terms? Here, they remember not just your name, but who you are. They give you the respect you deserve and the regardless of whether you consider yourself a gentleman or not, you will be treated as such. The noble and respectful attitude that these guys exude is worth experiencing. I am a senior in college and throughout this process we worked not as clients but as friends, and riders, excited to get my bike finished.

Besides the showroom-clean shop, high-quality services, a passion for motorcycles, and an extremely helpful staff, at the end of the day one is left with two things: a restored classic and a cool group of guys to get a beer with and talk about...really anything. Otherwise, an East Bay Rat, a PhD Chemistry student or yours truly agnostic Political Scientist wouldn't be praying to "Godspeed."

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8

92

Catherine R.

Oakland, CA

Yay Godspeed- if I had a motorcycle I might break it repeatedly just to hang out here.  Oh wait, I hang out here sometimes anyway!!  Fantastic and very talented staff- for both food/bevvies and motofixin.  It is seriously worth a stop by just to see the cool castle like interior and freaking huge movie screen tv!!  And if you want a tatoo or a pair of shades or gloves or some pink girly chaps with stars on them, this is your lucky day... Godspeed rocks, take your kids there!!!

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44

75

Brian J.

Emeryville, CA

This is the place you always wished was real.

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0

3

Irene M.

Alameda, CA

You can't beat the Saturday special at the cafe $7 waffles, bacon and a mimosa.  Did I mention endless waffles and bacon?

The decor, as everyone before me said, fantastic.  The mechanics are really capable stand up guys.  My friend bought some motorcycle boots from them last week, the whole staff was great and the owners helped her find the right pair.

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0

25

jeff b.

Berkeley, CA

Kinda a Low-Frills breakfast joint - food is served upstairs in a business that sells leathers, fixes motorcycles & cars, and will give you a tattoo.

Gotta love joints that can multi-task.

Excellent deals on the breakfast items - but don't be surprised if there isn't a lot of seating.  Food is really simple - not much room for a kitchen, so get a waffle and a Mimosa and kick it.

I really like the decor, the movies they show, and the fact that the Oakland Public Library is right across the street :)

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Elite '08

84

133

Tito Y.

Emeryville, CA

This place you gotta see.  Though it sports tattoos, motorcycle repair, and cheap $7 breakfasts, but you gotta make sure to make use of one of the very few usable Horsepower Testing Facility anywhere.  While most gear-heads would say wooh!!!!... a Horsepower Testing Facility, run by "Dyno-Mike" will test your performance vehicles (motorcycle or car) for a very nominal price.  Dyno testing results will give you a wonderfully listed compiled list of dyno results to see just how fast your car really is.  First they weight your car.  Then they compare your car to stock factory settings.  Next, your car is then bolted to a roller device where either your front or rear wheels or all wheel will rest.  While your car is driven hard, the device will measure times from 0-60mph, 0-100mph, top speed mph, breakdown from shifting gears mph, changes in electrical output, changes in fuel types, changes from gears or piston sizes or engine sizes, change in regards to exhaust, changes from cold or warm air intake.   The results can be elaborate and you a useful horsepower reading of your engine.  You can do all this and help yourself with wonderful shoppers selection of knifes, motorcycle leather jackets, sunglasses, stickers, or fun racing videos.   While the eats is cheap, purchase yourself something fun, like a Skull and Crossbones helmet. At the same time get bragging rights by modifying your car to see if its the fastest street legal vehicles in the Bay Area.

Bring your Ducati, Harley or Porsche.

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11

19

king m.

Oakland, CA

If  I had a million dollars I would make the front lobby of Godspeed my living room. There are skulls and candles and a giant television and beer upstairs........THIS PLACE TOTALLY FUCKING ROCKS!!!!!!!!
I don't have a motorcycle (yet), I go somewhere else to get tattooed ( although I like Kent Hickeys stuff ( nice pin ups.) So I might have to get some work by him ...I am on the wagon so I can't even enjoy a frosty cold PBR here....( although  I have enjoyed many in the past.)
The one thing that makes GODSPEED so Fuckin' cool is the guys and gals that run it are the most down home, nicest, unpretentious, good bunch of people you will ever met in your life. Super friendly and will answer any question you have and not make you feel like a complete dweeb. I have been kickin' the idea of motorized two wheeling for sometime and I asked one of the guys there about what would be best to start out and learn on. Not only were his answers informative and to the point, but he was really enthused about getting someone jazzed about motorcycles. Thanks Dan!
The other way cool thing about godspeed is they sell Waffles on Saturday and you can also buy a really good pocket knife there.
I mean how fucking cool is a place where you can eat a waffle, drink a PBR, get a tattoo,  and buy a cool knife, all while your motor bike is getting a tune up????

FUCKING ROCK ON GODSPEED!!!!!!

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16

47

Dolores A.

CA

These are my boys, love em all to death but it took me forever to go check it out (which I still feel bad about) but when I finally went Norton/Aaron and Zhiva gave me the grand tour and an intro to the folks working there I didn't know and this place is way cooler than I expected. Downstairs you've got comfy seating and a wall size tv, knives, tees and sweaters, wrencher gear and tons of other cool shite for sale, plus the tattoo shop. Also downstairs is the in the back is where they do all the motorcycle work which I wish I could elaborate on but unfortunately, I was lost during the explanation bc well, I'm kinda girlie and don't even know how to drive, haha. But from what I gathered while on the grand tour, there are inspections, repairs and oil changes, painting, custom work and also motorcycle sales (oh yeah and some big dyno-something machine but no clue what that means). Upstairs there's food, coffee, booze and another TV even though you can see the huge one downstairs also.  While I had just eaten and only had a drink, I have been told the eats are pretty good. Oh yeah, the skull motif of Godspeed is pretty hot too.

Of course I know I'm a little bias bc I think the Rat boys are the sweetest most honest, loyal crew I have ever known but the lovely 2 ladies, tattoo artist and mechanics I didn't know b4 today were incredibly nice also (Darn! I am sorry I can't remember their names), which leads me to believe the service in general for everyone who walks through the doors is outstanding, from food to questions or repairs. Go there to grab a cup o' java, beer or some grub. Go there and fix your bike or buy one. Go there to show your support and purchase some cool wearable gear. Just go there! 10 million stars for Godspeed!

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