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Scuderia West

4.5 star rating
based on 110 reviews

Categories: Motorcycle Dealers, Motorcycle Repair, Leather Goods  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Mission
69 Duboce Ave
(between Woodward St & Stevenson St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 621-7223
Fall Super Scooter Sale!

Save up to $1200 on Kymco and Aprilia Scooters. All on…

 
Hours:

Tue-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
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110 reviews for Scuderia West

Review Highlights   

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"Test rides on motorcycles, cool, helpful staff, great gear." (in 38 reviews)
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"The staff is always helpful and friendly here." (in 46 reviews)
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"Don, the owner, was very helpful." (in 4 reviews)
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Photo of Sasha P.

 

4

10

Sasha P.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
8/25/2009

Scuderia is a shining beacon of what a good motorcycle shop should be. They're not snooty or arrogant, stock what I need, appreciate the obscure and really get racing.

I love telling people there's a KTM/Victory/Aprilia/Bimota dealership in my town. Might be the only place on earth with that combination.

If you go in looking for gear, especially gloves, talk to Amy. She knows her stuff and it's mostly through her own testing.

Donny's the one to talk to about sales. Gave me a fantastic deal on my KTM 950.

Photo of Joe K.

 

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1

Joe K.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
11/6/2009

Let me tell you about my experience with this location.  I moved to SF about 9 months ago and needed a new dealership to work on my Victory motorcycle.  Since Scuderia is a Victory dealership I figured this was the obvious place.  This is where the story begins.

First off.  Victory's or any cruiser class rider is treated like a red headed step child.  I was looking for a silver bell for my friends bike and was told "that's a cruiser thing, we don't do that in the sport bike community".  Really?  So you don't sell cruisers?  And maybe you should believe in the silver bell lore, since it seems sport bike riders go down quite a bit more than those that ride cruisers do.

Second time I went in looking for a new helmet with built in bluetooth for my cell phone/ipod/etc.  I was told that I didn't want one of those, instead I wanted some archaic microphone wired thing that would some how fit underneath my helmet.  I didn't want that, I wanted bluetooh with no wires.  If I wanted to look like an air traffic controller, I would work for the airport.

Third, my new wheels for the bike.  I wanted some new custom wheels for my 8-ball.  After scouring the internet obsessing over which would look best I decided on some by Performance Machine.  If I had bought them factory direct, they would have been $1249 a piece.  But I had wanted to give a local business some money and decided to go through Scuderia for $1349 each.  So, $200 dollars more, plus tax to get the same product I could have gotten from the factory.  But I decided it would be better off to just work with someone locally and pay a little extra for the conveinence.  Brian and Liam said it would take three weeks for me to get my wheels in.  Three months later and about 100 phone calls and they finally came in.  Apparently after some strong worded conversations I found out that they had forggotten to order my wheels.  You know, it happens every day when someone drops $3100 dollars in your store that you forget to place the order.  Brian and Liam assured me they'd take care of me and give me a great deal on some new tires when I got them installed.  I called to set up an appointment and was told I now needed a new hardware kit by Debora.  So, aggravated but patient I spent another $80 dollars on bolts and nuts so that they could do the install.  The price quoted for the new tires installed  $300 dollars.  I thought that was fair since the MSRP on stock tires is about $100 dollars a piece and it sounded like they were going to take a small hit on the labor.  I set up the apointment and took the bike down to get it all installed and they spring a work order on me for $800 dollars.  $480 for the tires, and $300 for the install.  At that point rage filled me and I told them to shove it up there ass.  I was done giving that place my money.

If I were you, I'd avoid this place like the plague.  They are your stereotypical bait and switch organization.  They continue to upsale you on things you may not need, but anything to pad their bottom line.  I will now be taking my bike to any other place but them and you should do the same.

Photo of Vivek N.

Elite '09

23

91

Vivek N.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/25/2009

Got my license about a month ago.
Got a bike a couple of weeks ago.
My first ride on city streets a couple of days ago.
My first ride on the freeway this morning.

I had purchased gear from another location, but Im not getting into that experience now.  This review is dedicated to the fantastic world of Scuderia :)

From the moment I walked in the store the experience was great!  Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful folks that listen to your needs and make appropriate recommendations, without being pushy.  If you are a pro, I'm sure you already know of this place, if you are new to biking take my word and go to Scuderia.  

The first recommendation for a jacket and pants made me feel like I was in the right place, but just to make sure I tried on other suggested gear as well.  All were great suggestions but I ultimately went with what I first tried.  I'm very happy with my purchase, and think you are gonna miss out if you don't at the very least go in there and check it out.  Happy riding!!

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Photo of patrick c.

 

1

9

patrick c.

Pleasant Hill, CA

4 star rating
10/2/2009

I worked here for about a year (1996) and still love the place, The owners are great people that honestly care about customer staisfaction. Great to have a place like this in our city.

Photo of Mike C.

 

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2

Mike C.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
10/20/2009

I don't write a lot of reviews for places, but I special ordered a motorcycle jacket through Scuderia recently and Brian W. was really helpful and knowledgable. I didn't feel pressured one bit or 'sold to' by him. I'd definitely recommend popping in here and checking out the selection and staff. Great experience.

Photo of Maximus L.

 

11

3

Maximus L.

CA

5 star rating
7/17/2009

Back in the day Don built an old Suzuki GS1150E into a totally top-to-bottom inside-to-outside fire breathing custom monster. He was able to have parts fabricated that did not exist (widened rear tire, mating GSXR-1100 Fox Shock to bike). It took forever, but that was not really their fault. It was also way pricey, but worth it in the end.

Cannot go wrong with these guys.

Photo of Lee S.

 

10

119

Lee S.

Sonoma County, CA

4 star rating
7/4/2009

This family-owned business has been around for a really long time.  But they look so young!  Not sure how they do it, but Don and his team run a great shop.  

We bought our first scooter here a long time ago -- before we moved and switched to Revolution Moto in the North Bay -- and the experience was a joy.  If we lived in the city, this would be our go-to shop for sure.

Photo of Michelle V.

 

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15

Michelle V.

Oakland, CA

2 star rating
6/30/2009

You know, every time I go here it's the same....

I ask questions about accessories for women, and get referred to Amy in the back. She's always super busy with something else. This last time, she was on an important phone call consisting of a long drawn out conversation about Chinese food. The rest of the staff ARE helpful, but when I'm a woman and the go-to person for women's gear isn't interested in helping me, it makes me think that Scuderia does not want my business...

..and then I go and search the internet instead.

Photo of Gwen S.

 

0

11

Gwen S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/19/2009

Oh BRIAN, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.  As I've been prepping for a 2.5 week motorcycle excursion overseas in what will no doubt be gloomy rain, I've frantically raced into Scuderia over and over with a blank look of confusion and panic numerous times over the last week.  Each time, Brian took me into his capable hands and made everything OK.  With the patience of a thousand men and razor sharp wit, Brian helped me get my gear in top shape and ready for the elements.  Not to mention looking rather flossy.  Seriously, step aside let this guy take control, you know its the best thing for you.

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Photo of Sobhi M.

 

2

8

Sobhi M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/19/2009

Bought some gear here last week, and decided to take the plunge and buy a scooter today. On both occasions, the sales staff was extremely helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. The whole experience was an absolute pleasure, and I look forward to coming back for all my scooter needs.

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Photo of lenore s.

 

4

83

lenore s.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/22/2009

Great shop, great staff, sales all the way through service.  I purchased a scooter here and have taken my old scooter in for service and I have no complaints, pure praise for the professionalism, problem solving, and the excellent work they have done on my bikes.  For sales - ask for Don, the owner, smart, knowledgeable, and I did not feel like I was getting "the big sales pitch".  Rebecca in service is awesome and kicked out a home remedy for a part that was causing me trouble until the right part came in....and Deborah is a wizard of  all things motorbike. Liam, like everyone also mentioned, just smart, nice and professional. Thanks Scuderia West.

Photo of Rick G.

 

54

199

Rick G.

South San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 4/6/2009

I've been back here a few times and now...  A great shop in every way...  Sales has improved to the point where I would trust them in helping me get what I want, their parts department is great and the girls....  AWESOME as usual!  

Oh yes, and I bought a spare helmet there recently too!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    11/29/2007

    I love the girls that work there!  Not because they are hot in one way or another.  Especially the… Read more »

Photo of Trevor N.

 

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6

Trevor N.

CA

4 star rating
5/19/2009

I have only been here twice but each time I found sales and service staff friendly and helpful.  The sales person on the accessory floor was so great she even called other stores to see if they had what I was looking for in my size.

They are competitive on service and parts price for a tire change and brake pads and after inspecting their work, I trust them.  It was also nice that they didn't leave any greasy fingerprints on my bike, which was what happened at Golden Gate Cycles!

I will probably go here from now on for service work in the future.

Photo of Felix S.

 

20

16

Felix S.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
3/27/2009

These guys are amazing, especially their service department.

I bought a scooter not knowing anything about how to ride, or what gear etc. I got ripped off by other scooter dealers with expensive totally unnecessary service, and useless gear. When I finally came to Scuderia West, which is the dealer for Aprilia mind you, they didn't just say the right thing, they did the right thing, and for the right price.

I'm a skint college student, and I bought a top box to replace a incredibly tiny case I had on previously. Not only did they manage to sell me a floor model for an awesome discounted price, but they did the installation right there, and I was out in under half an hour. They even checked my tires, and helped me out with some service tips. That's pretty good, but the incredible bit is what happens next.

Two weeks later, I'm biking back from the Embarcadero and when I get to the Mission (home) the top box is gone. Just, disappeared. The next day I go into Scuderia and ask them what could have happened. It obviously wasn't their fault because the mounting was perfect, - it was probably a loose quick release system (because it was used). Despite it not being their fault, they help me out, and give me another used top box at cost.
To prove that miracles happen at this place, another guy comes in behind me saying he needs a new mount to his top box because his old one broke. I have a spare mount. We make a deal, Scuderia trumphs yet again.

Combine all that with everyone's smiling gorgeous faces, and it's hard not to love them. OH, and they have espresso. Fantastic.

If you have a motorcycle in the city, the only people you should let touch your bike is Scuderia West.

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Photo of Shimone S.

 

23

20

Shimone S.

Burlingame, CA

4 star rating
5/2/2009

I visited Scuderia with my 16-month old in tow looking for a new pair of motorcycle gloves. As my son ran around trying to get into any trouble he could find (and I in pursuit) Bair (sp?) in the parts department patiently and sympathetically found me throughout the shop to hand me first one and then another and another pair of gloves to try on. After sizing several pairs I settled on a sweet set that was much cheaper than the ones I came in for.

As I browsed through the rest of their goodies Bair diligently advised me to save my money "if all I wanted was one allen wrench" and further advised me to "use an old Timex" if I didn't want to spend so much money on the Formotion (mount-on clock).

After an exhausting day with my kid I was grateful for the staff's understanding - even going so far as to allow my son to come behind the counter and "help". I mention this because it's one thing to come in as a patron and receive great service, it's another to come in with a baby and be greeted with a smiling, understanding and helpful staff.

Thanks Scuderia!

Photo of Erik C.

 

0

3

Erik C.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
9/27/2009

I walked into the shop already sold on a pair of riding boots (Sidi Vortice).  Even though the sale was a sure thing for them, the staff made sure that I understood every aspect of the product, and demonstrated it fully for me.  (In case you're wondering, these boots are a bit of a hassle to get on / off for the uninitiated).

Photo of sean s.

 

0

8

sean s.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
7/22/2009

A great motorcycle shop, they have all the gear you could ever need the mechanics are trustworthy and reliable. I have a Victory so I have to take my bike here, but after going here i wouldn't go anywhere else

Photo of Zac H.

Elite '09

48

220

Zac H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
2/12/2009

I wander in here pretty often on my regular rounds of the moto shops in SF. I guess I am a tire kicker that way. Scuderia has a good selection of bikes you won't find anywhere else. I am currently drooling over the RC8 they have.....gimme.

I have bought a Vanson here as well as a few pairs of gloves. The staff were very patient and helpful. When I needed cold weather gloves the salesperson literally laid every pair in my size out and let me take my sweet time in decided while going over the pluses and minuses of each. Sometimes the staff can be aloof, but they will always help you if you ask.

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Photo of Mike M.

 

15

52

Mike M.

Richmond, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 12/20/2008

So the day after I picked up my kick-ass brand new Super Duke-R, I went back into the shop to pick up a gear bag that it came with that I wasn't able to pack the day before. After I walked in and was greeted by the owner, he explained to me that he had sent me an e-mail the night before. I told him that I hadn't checked my e-mail that night and he said that it pertained to my Yelp comments.

At this point I'm thinking, "Man, this guy must think I'm a real jack ass for not giving him an entirely shining report". I told him that I thought my comments were pretty good and he told me that he thought the same, but wanted to explain a few things.

Wow! This is what I'm talking about. He personally responded to my Yelp comments. This has only happened one time before. The funny thing about that one was that it was about another bike shop. Other than that, I've never heard anything about my comments from any other business.

The owner explained every one of the issues I had (with the exception of crappy parking...kidding Don!) and really made me feel comfortable about my purchase. After I heard what the MSRP was and then saw what I actually paid, I felt kinda bad. Turns out that I got a great deal from this place.

So now I have to give this place five big ones. It definitely deserves them. In a shitty economy where everyone wants to squeeze as much cash as they can out of you, it's refreshing to get what you want, at a fair price, without haggling, and with great service. Nice job guys.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    12/18/2008

    Well I just picked up my brand new KTM Super Duke R today and must say that my experience with… Read more »

Photo of Jen D.

Elite '09

94

1198

Jen D.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 6/29/2008

Update!!

So after 2 months of getting everything in order, I finally purchased by 2008 Aprilia Scarabeo 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luca and Don and the rest of the team at Scuderia were extremely patient and EXTREMELY helpful. They went completely out of their way to help me secure a loan from State Farm (I'm trying to build my credit) and they were successful and yesterday I drove it off the lot!!!!!

Thanks so much to the team at Scuderia!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    4/7/2008

    Super Super SUPER friendly and knowledgeable staff!! The lady helped me so much with jacket fittings… Read more »

Photo of Jared L.

Elite '09

76

154

Jared L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
9/13/2008

Scuderia is a local benchmark by which all other bay area bike shops should be measured.  It's good at many things; thorough gear selection, cycle and scooter makes that no one else has, tires, helmets.  They seem to serve a lot of riders and none of them look unhappy.  

Sales is usually helpful and quick.   (But no, helmet kid, the cheek pads on that overpainted Scorpion helmet probably will not crush down any time soon, not soon enough for my fat face anyway.)   The staff all know their jobs well, and will (so I'm told) take bribes of local beer to do a tire just before closing Saturday.  

The best part is the Basement o' bikes.  I want to own that basement.

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Photo of coffeecake j.

 

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210

coffeecake j.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/10/2009

most importantly......stellar customer service !

excellent and sparkley merchandise !
helmet city! selection amazing !
im so happy my girlfriend rides a motorcycle....sigh.

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Photo of joe z.

 

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34

joe z.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
1/19/2009

I've got to point out something no one ever mentions about Scuderia - They're awesome magazine selection!

Kudos to Crystal for keeping that part of the store intact despite the fact they probably lose money on it.  You might not think that's worth any stars, but this shop has always had a connectedness to the bike community and keeping magazines, books and dvd's on hand is part of that.

Plus, it's always much more enjoyable to get your bathroom reading from a motorcycle shop as opposed to Barnes & Noble.  RRW, RRX, Sport Bike, Perfomance Bike, Superbike, on and on, they've got them all.

Photo of Ken M.

 

4

61

Ken M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/24/2008

It's the old standby.  Been shopping here for nearly a decade.  Helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, face shields, spark plugs, bar-ends, replacement mirrors, oil filters, and service when I really bugger it up.  Yeah online is cheaper and their hours used to be longer, but for me this place is an institution that has supported my two wheel habit for many many miles.  

Sadly the only vehicle I ever bought from Don was a used, bored out SR50 to put around town incognito-like while my Ducati was having its exorcism.  One day, that shiny Bimota in the window.  Just cuz...

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Photo of Anne F.

 

0

9

Anne F.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
8/24/2009

The folks at Scuderia are extremely helpful, whether you're buying a pair of gloves or a new scooter. The customer service is top notch!

Photo of Trip H.

 

3

6

Trip H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
11/14/2008

This place is solid. Good selection of hard-to-find high quality gear like Rev-It and Sidi. And great service - all the staffers I've dealt with over the past couple years have been helpful and easygoing.

Just today I took one of my jackets in because a snap on the removable inner liner had broken. I thought I might have to send the whole jacket back to Rev-It on the East Coast to look it over and fix the one little snap, leaving me without use of said jacket for who knows how long. But instead Scuderia just asked me to fill out a warranty claim form and said they'll get Rev-It to ship me a whole new liner. Awesome!

And OK, I'll admit it: it really doesn't hurt that in addition to the aforementioned professional qualities, Amy and Kim are super cute. There, I said it. I am a sucker for attractive, knowledgeable motorcycle gals. Phew, glad I got that off my chest.

Only drawback is, I wish the store was bigger. A couple times I've needed them to order stuff that's not in stock, which they're happy to do, but of course who wouldn't prefer instant gratification? Maybe they could expand into that open lot next door...hmmm...

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Photo of Ben T.

 

5

2

Ben T.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
11/24/2008

In this store I found:

1 guy that did not know what he was selling at the parts department.

1 cool ass chick that ACTUALLY HELPED ME. ( Name starts w/ a C )

1 Motorcycle salesman that acts like a bike snob.

1 Girl that wasn't a tech that quoted me a outrageous price for service.

3 Workers that would not let me in the store a couple of minutes passed closing to pick up my order that took a week to come and I already paid for.

Bottom line is I will still go to this store.

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Photo of Max R.

 

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80

Max R.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
12/5/2008

If you need quality gear, in a hurry, and don't mind paying a premium
this is the place to go. They have everything a new, or current rider is
likely to need, and they don't mind charging a little extra for the
convenience.

The location, I think, is terrible, and somewhat of a pain to get to
and park at, if going by car ( and if you're replacing a damaged helmet
that is exactly how you will be going ).

The selection is good, but biased heavily towards the higher end. Lots
of Shoei and Arai, a few HJC, a few Scorpion and not much else.

The three times that I have been here, the staff were exceptionally
helpful.

Over all? This is probably the 1st place I'd go to for gear in a hurry
and the 3rd place I'd go to  ( Craigslist being 1st, and some online
retailers being 2nd) when I need gear and there is no rush.

Photo of Brian D.

 

6

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Brian D.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
5/2/2009

I came into look at gear. The staff at Scuderia are very knowledgeable, and very friendly.  They spent alot of time with me making sure everything was just right.

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Photo of James G.

 

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James G.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
5/6/2009

I walked in at 10 minutes before they closed this past Saturday looking at jackets.  Amy, the girl that helped me, was extremely helpful and very nice; she didn't rush me out of the store (I stayed 15 minutes after they closed).  I ended up walking out with a beautiful new Vanson jacket and they in turn are getting repeat business from me!

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Photo of louda l.

 

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louda l.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
6/26/2008

I've been going to the scuderia for years and they've helped me find parts and given me advice for all of my bikes and scoots.  They also have one of the largest selections for women's gear, which is really difficult to find.

Their service staff is incredibly helpful and nice, which is also really difficult to find.  I don't mind spending my money here, and also helping to support their shop.  Its nice to walk in as a female rider and not get any of that crappy machismo attitude... they have some girl bikers working there, too!

I've never had anything fixed here, but I've heard great things about their mechanic services.

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Photo of Mike W.

 

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Mike W.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
4/13/2008

Well, I have purchased three scooters here in less than a year.  Ya, I like it here.

Great brands, and choices without being a clone on a Vespa.

The service department is super friendly, and they remember your name like you're the only customer they have.  But, servicing a scooter costs more than your car.  Filling up and driving all over for $5 a week makes it all worth it.

Don, the owner, is a super cool guy and really seems to love what he does.  

I'm afraid that my wallet will suffer from this relationship.  :-)

Update:  They think that its acceptable to charge you $88 to tell you what's wrong with your bike.  They call this a "damage assessment."  Funny, I have never paid an auto body shop a penny to give me an estimate for body repairs on a car.  How do they justify this?  Finally, why does it cost $80 to change the oil on a scooter that has no oil filter and holds less than a quart of oil?  I have learned my lesson.  I will find others like to fix my scooters in the future.  My future purchases for scooters and motorcycles will be elsewhere as well.  I hope they enjoy my $88.

Problem solved.  The Owner saw this review and said that this is not usual for someone paying out of their pocket with vandalism repairs.  The $88 damage assessment has been waived and I once again feel good about dealing with Don, and Scuderia West.  You should too.

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Photo of Jennifer H.

Elite '09

231

340

Jennifer H.

Burlingame, CA

4 star rating
8/25/2008

Popped by here on Sat. to get a part for honey's KTM.  I've been here a few times with him and they always seem helpful.  Honey says as a bike shop they are good, but with exotics like bimota and aprilia you have no choice but to go there or drive to LA.  Thank goodness we have a cool place like Scuderia to frequent!!!  

They have adventure bikes, super duke, and honey's favorite, the Bimota Tesi 3d at $40k.  Also had the Aprilia SXV, hardcore motard with the crazy super high maintenance.  All I know is the bikes in the front and back are SUPER SEXY!

To boot, they had the part for his KTM.  Sweetness!

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Photo of Hunter G.

 

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186

Hunter G.

Davis, CA

4 star rating
3/23/2008

The staff is always helpful and friendly here. They're knowledgeable and never act too cool to help you. Another cool thing about Scuderia is their open house bbq's. You get on the mailing list and every so often they have a sale and free food. I've bought some race boots and other stuff from here and I always felt like I got a good deal. Just before I dropped over $1500 on my full custom Vanson leathers they let me try on some suits from off the rack.

And speaking of racks; Me and a buddy of mine went in because he had just bought a bike and was in the market for a helmet. A cute little saleswoman came over to help him and she could probably tell how excited he was to buy his first helmet. She found him one he liked and he wore it around the store for about a half hour.

Even though he didn't need any she had him trying on gloves too. She must have had some strange powers because she had me trying on gloves too. Good thing she had already cast her spell on my buddy 'cuz I was able to escape. She was leaning over the counter working that sale if you know what I mean. "You want some boobs too?"

"Huh, what?" my friend said.

"Boots. Are you going to need boots as well?"

"Oh, um no thanks. I'm on a budget."

Anyway, my buddy left with a new helmet, new gloves, and a big grin on his face.

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Photo of Wes M.

Elite '09

345

1156

Wes M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
12/6/2008

Did you ever notice that technology hasn't really simplified our lives after all?  And no, this is not a Luddite rant; I just think that our brains gravitate us toward a certain optimal level of life-complexity.  So when, say, Google Maps or Yelp transform Herculean feats of logistics into the mere work of a moment, we respond by developing ever more intricate sets of habits.  In my case, the act of going somewhere in a car has morphed into a byzantine arrangement of walking, biking, buses, trains, and (with enough intoxication) taxis. Admittedly, that's largely a testament to San Francisco being a "mature transportation ecosystem" full of niches.  Or maybe it's because every mode of transportation in SF is deathly inconvenient in its own way.  Futile searches for parking, endless waits for buses, sweat-inducing rides up a steep hill...if only there was a way to have power, convenience, and agility all at once.

In other words, San Francisco is a perfect fit for scooters.  (Literally--remember all those just-barely-too-small, in-between-driveway spots that mock you as you circle the blocks?  When you're on a scooter it's like the neighborhood is rolling out the red carpet.)  As with all brilliant ideas, I have no idea why it took me so long to think of it.  Perhaps it's because I am not a "motorcycle" guy--too much machine for me.  But a scooter, it turns out, is just right, both stylistically and power-wise.

Granted, it was a long road from the Eureka moment to actually sitting on my very own scooter--the safety classes are hugely backed up, for one.  And then there's the whole shopping thing.  The first question, of course, is to Vespa or not to Vespa?  It's the premier brand, but when we tried it we just didn't feel the extra $2800.  And now you also have to decide if you want electric; ultimately we decided the technology was still a little green (pun intended).  Buddy?  Too small for both of us (this is primarily a datemobile--I still bike to work for the exercise).  Mr Scooter?  Nice models, but from unknown brands, so the long-term parts & service availability is dicey.  Vintage models at the scooter center?  Huh, apparently those cost *more* if you want them, like, in good condition (stupid rich-yet-retro people driving up demand).  

Finally the trail brought us to Scuderia West.  They have a gorgeous Aprilia, but it only comes in 100cc or 200cc, and we really wanted 150.  So we ordered the soon-to-arrive Kymco People 150--yes, we had to wait a month, but in the end we got exactly what we wanted, and the sales guys Don & Luca did an excellent job of walking us through all the options (and, most importantly, giving us honest advice about what would work best for us).  I also feel great knowing that I can get all of my service taken care of here.

And looking back, it was definitely worth the trouble.  For if a bicycle is like having the keys to the city, a scooter is like having keyless entry.  Seriously, it's a little spooky how easy it is to flit around on these things.  And it's a little addictive too; must...not take...gratuitous...fuel-burning...joyrides...

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2

14

Pete T.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
4/30/2009

They massively overfilled my oil and caused a lot of leaks to appear.  I also had a hard time figuring out what they had spent so much time on.  To be fair, I had my carbs synched here a couple of years ago and they did a superb job with that.   I couldn't believe how well my bike ran afterwards.  However, overfilling the oil was pretty amateur and not the kind of thing I want to have to remind my mechanic not to do.  I didn't call them on it and figured I would just try another bike shop next time.  I like these people and always feel that I have been treated courteously, I am just disappointed that I can't trust them with basic maintenance.

Photo of Samuel S.

 

23

35

Samuel S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
1/21/2009

Every single person who I have dealt with at Scuderia West has been amazingly helpful and cordial. I'm a beginning motorcycle rider, but they were able to help pick out exactly the right gear for me. The prices compared to online are of course going to be higher (though not outrageously so). However, I would rather spend a little extra here to get some advice in person and be able to try everything on for size.

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Photo of Mike S.

 

0

1

Mike S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 8/4/2009

Don from Scuderia West wrote and apologized for the lack of communications which was nice.  When I picked up my scooter the service manager was extremely nice and apologized again.  Not sure I'll give them another try, but I appreciate the effort to correct my problem.

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 1 star rating
    7/27/2009

    I called Scuderia West in June to get an appointment for an estimate on getting my scooter fixed.  I… Read more »

Photo of Christy L.

Elite '09

135

368

Christy L.

South San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
5/15/2007

I absolutely love this place!  As a gal who rides, I must say that this is probably the only shop that I've been to that treats me like an equal and takes me seriously.  The two gals who work there (Amy and Shelly) are so helpful,super patient, and really know their stuff!

Ladies, if you ride and you're looking for gear, you need to shop here!  I went in to purchase a new leather jacket not really knowing what I wanted and Shelly took the time to help me figure it out.  She was so knowledgeable about the different cuts and styles of jackets that they carry and seemed to know exactly how each one would fit me.  She let me try on as many jackets as I wanted and took it one step further and allowed me to sit on a bike with the jacket on to see just how the jacket would fit in a riding position.  She helped me for close to an hour and didn't show the slightest sign of annoyance over my indecision. Nor did she try to sell me the most expensive jacket - she was more concerned with me finding my perfect jacket - and that's exactly what I found!

I know I could have purchased this jacket online or in some other retail motorcycle shop for way less, but it was worth every penny for the service.  

They have an amazing selection of women's riding gear - real riding gear too, not the fender fluff stuff without protective armor.  

Oh, and then there are the bikes.  If you happen to see puddles of drool on the Aprilias and KTMs...you know I was there!

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Photo of amy b.

 

22

92

amy b.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
9/26/2006

This place is great... really really great.
  I bought my first helmet here and Amy was incredibly helpful and patient with me and found the best one.  I went back before taking a class and Amy was super helpful again, describing the class and showing me some books I could buy that were really helpful in explaining the details.  Went back again to ask about getting smaller pads in my helmet and Shelly was great about geting the order set up.  Got a call from Amy a week later saying that they were backordered and that she wanted to confirm everything about my order before getting Arai to send her some pads.... basically the service is amazing, and the girls that work there are incredibly patient and willing to go to all sorts of lengths to make sure you have everything you need and want.  The best place in the city to walk in as a female motorcyclist and be treated like an equal!!!

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