BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Timing was everything for Tim McDowell and Dan Gray, who own The Cycle Vault Club in Elkridge.

The two considered themselves kindred spirits who enjoyed vintage motorcycles, even belonging to the same Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club. So it seemed only natural that the two join forces to produce parts for vintage Japanese motorcycles and for use in their own restoration cycle business.

“The most difficult part was finding a building to suit our needs,” said McDowell. “I found this building driving home from work one day. I knew it was going to work out when the owner [of the building] and I first met was wearing a Harley-Davidson T-shirt.”

Fast forward one year where word-of-mouth has quickly spread about the Cycle Vault Club. Not only do customers flock there for vintage parts and restoration, but there is ample room for year-round motorcycle storage too.

The climate-controlled storage allows easy access for owners’ to retrieve their cycles from this secure, monitored building and The Cycle Vault Club’s services include a wash bay, an air compressor and hookups for an electric battery tender. An on-site ASE technician is another convenience.

Asked about all the extras the Cycle Vault offers, McDowell chalked the details up to the knowledge he and his partner have gained in the many years they have collected cycles.

“If a bike is older than 15 to 20 years, you just can’t find parts and timely service for it,” he said. “We wanted to change that.”

Indeed, the problem lack of parts for classic cycles seems widespread as evidenced by a recent look at the Baltimore-area CraigsList.

“So, I was looking for a mechanic that would do quality work on my ’80s bike, but all of the mainstream mechanics and dealers were giving me the same line: ‘If you had a newer bike, we’d make time for it but since it is an older bike, you’ll have to wait until winter, when no one else is riding.’ ” wrote a CraigsList poster identified only as Jess, who was referred to Cycle Vault. “Let me tell you, these guys absolutely rock!”

The poster went on to discuss the professionalism of the shop and the respectful treatment afforded cyclists.

“We keep this business spic and span,” said McDowell. “If I was going to put my classic vintage bikes somewhere, that is how I would want to store them. It’s just that kind of business.”

The Cycle Vault Club

7035 Kit Kat Road

Elkridge

www.cyclevaultclub.com

410-799-3588

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

43 agree | 31 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

38 agree | 39 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

88 agree | 90 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate