My go-to for my Honda Helix and one of the few, if not the only, places in the city able to provide a brake/light inspection on my Helix for the DMV. The business is about as old school SF as you could hope for; an honest breath of fresh air. They are fair with their prices, deliver high quality work, and have always been kind and gone out of their way to finish repairs quickly and explain the process involved. Christina (hope I remembered her name correctly) is incredibly organized and communicative. On my last visit, Danny (one of the technicians) really went the extra mile on my behalf. Highly recommend! read more

I was an actual customer, im not an ex employee or a business competitor, yelp took down my original review because of pressure from KC Engineering, but the facts are the facts and im warning others that this place of business is bad. I Do NOT recommend . First off I went in because I needed tires, I had a blow out in my rear tire and decided to just get both replaced. So, the tires were a little pricey and the labor charge was insane. But I value quality over price so I went for it. The tires are terrible (Michelin) it doesn't seem balanced and it just doesn't feel right. Usually with new tires I get this secure sensation when I ride ( not this time) Secondly, they were pitching me on other services that I found strange because I just had them done at a school with an instructor. Thirdly, on my way home, my storage box fell off my bike on the freeway, when I went back, they claimed they hadn't touched it, it was odd to me because, I ride everyday and had no issues. Lastly, instead of apologizing, I get a mechanic yelling at me saying i was at fault. When I asked to speak to the owner, I was told that he lives out of state. After all this mess I spent hours reading past reviews and found that others had similar experiences, but my biggest takeaway was how the owner/s replied to some of the commentators. I found it defensive, rude and never taking accountability, always deflecting the bad service or work they've done. Truth is truth, my review is based on my horrendous experience I had at this place of so called business. read more

Bewa this is a dirty business, they do anything to cause an accident after you leave the shop, they are evil. In my own experience I bought a tire and I paid for the installation , I noticed that they applied a bunch of Vaseline petroleum jelly all around the tire so quickly and without asking me for approval, I didn't ask why since they claim to be professionals., as soon as I left the shop and I tried to make a right turn l felt to the right without warning, the bike felt on top of my right leg in the middle of the street trapping my leg, breaking m right side mirror and my front brake. I couldn't get up but none of the employ or that shorty owner of the shop came to help or at least come and see f I was OK. One of thei customer helped me lift the bike so that I can get my leg out of it, but if I hadn't ask for help I don't know for how long I would have remained laying down in the middle of the street in front of their shop , risking my self getting hit by a car, I bro the bike back inside the shop and had them install a brand new brake lever and a mirror, I asked them why they put grease on the tires even if they are used tires, and they said it was mandatory to do that to all tires sales. read more

Walked out with the wrong tires in hand due to some confusion with the tire name (Rosso 4 vs Rosso 4 Corsa). I didn't realize it till after I rode home. While there were less than 5 miles on the tires, they were technically considered used now. Stephanie explained they did not carry the license to sell used tires, but worked her magic with Pirelli to help me swap out the tires for the ones I initially wanted. I truly appreciated the above and beyond effort to correct my error of not noticing the tires before riding off. Great staff, service, and will continue to be back for tire installs. read more

I have been cruising KC Engineering for YEARS - no joke. I worked in South of Market for most of my career -- and have maintained a post office at 4th/Brannan since 1998. I lucked out - found a tire for my DR650 on eBay at KC Engineering as "New Old Stock." Christina and her mechanic on duty were able to accommodate me with a "while you wait" tire change -- and I enjoyed meeting the customers that came in while I was there, and Christina's super cute wee assistant and her bracelet making business. The owner, Steph, is super approachable and reasonable -- great customer service and lovely folks. If you've been driving by KC Engineering for years like me -- do yourself a favor and pop in and say hi and give them some business. read more

They don't include new stems when replacing tires. Don't know why they don't automatically just change them even though they're super cheap to do at least for rubber stems. Had a scary instant front tire flat on I280 weeks after I got my tires replaced. The stem was old and cracked letting all the air out at once. I went back and they charged me half an hour of labor to replace my 8 years old stem. read more

They are overpriced and cheating! I got a nail on my rear tire on my motorcycle. Once I came to KC Engineering, the lady was friendly and tried to help with no appointment. BUT When she mentioned the price of repair $146 I was shocked! I asked why it's so expensive because it's almost a price of a new tire! But she said that price of a new tire would be $320 ! I have never had experience like this with a motorcycle any tire was flat so I didn't have a choice, so I believed her. When I saw how they did the repair and after I came home and did some research I realized that is not only expensive- It's SUPER overpaid for this type of work. This service is really OVERPRICED as it was done with a stop-n-go kit. (40$ on Amazon) To use that kit you don't need to take off the tire and take 15 minutes instead 1 hour but they try to charge you more as labor is expensive, so they took my tire off!(Btw lost small cap from nipple) Feels like cheating! Also saw people in similar situations below in comments. Too bad I didn't check Yelp before going there! And yes new tire exactly like mine cost around 200$ read more

KC Engineering - What is that? - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

Awesome experience as always. Steph, Veva and Christina are always very responsive and knowledgeable. The mechanics are quick and efficient. Cool ambiance, and they stock pretty much any tire you may need for your bike! read more

These guys kind of dogged me... and I'm really paying for it but it's not about what happened to me I guess. But you can learn from me. For You reading watch out for them - Overestimating the Job ( I've changed my own tire before, they tried to tell me it's a lot harder than it is which scared me about how legitimate they are and I'm just an average Joe) - Having Poor Communication (telling you one thing and meaning another ex. I called ahead of time and we still could not conduct business within their hours) - Lacking Professionalism (Gave me all excuses instead of solutions not even a suggestion in the right direction) These guys had me kick rocks for their convenience. So I get to do that for 2 hours through rush hour traffic in a gas guzzler. Easily won't be back nor would recommend to friends..maybe enemies if I had any. read more

These people know their business! Locally owned family business run by the original owner's SF native daughter Stephanie, their product knowledge and customer service are excellent. I was considering three different tires after my countless hours on YouTube University to figure out a set of tires for my GS. I went into what seemed to be a time machine of a tire shop and was quickly greeted by Stephanie. She listened to what I was after and then went through all of my options from least expensive to most expensive along with individual tire performance (didn't need to spend all that time on YouTube!). I went with the more expensive longer wearing option. An hour later they were on the bike and I was on my way. After scrubbing in the tires this weekend I could not be happier with my decision (Thanks Stephanie!) as the tires we chose exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended. read more

Came in for chain to get replaced and regular maintenance. I don't know what they did but my bike rides way better than before. Must have also adjusted my clutch to have less play which I like. Stephanie was very professional and got me in and out. Great experience!! read more

Wonderful alternative to the high cost of the dealerships for various motorcycles that I own.

I had a carburetor issue with my bike (Suzuki DR650). Going full throttle through all the gears onto the GG Bridge, popping clutch up and what not, like I was drag racing or something. SF Moto was closed that day so the tow truck driver brought it to KC Engineering. They have safer parking if you have to leave it on the street without being able to have a shop bring it inside. Long story short the needle actually came loose and fell deeper inside the carb. They did a full jet kit replacement, filled my tires with air, and put a leftover fuel hose on the gas cap. (Had my old Acerbis gas cap for the vent bleeder stolen while riding solo in Mexico) The bike idles very differently and the carb feels a lot more consistent/smoother than before. Albeit I never could stall out the bike if I went full throttle. That sometimes happens now if I am going from idle or 1st gear. It's almost at random not sure if it's related to the work or another issue altogether. They put the bike on a dyno for the jet kit which was cool. Now if I can just figure out this new issue! Other things to keep in mind is that the shop seems very busy so it will take longer than you think. Stephanie was quite keen on getting me out of the shop but it might have been corona virus, my skull mask, and buzz. (What all the barbers are closed man) read more

KC Engineering - Suzuki DR650 - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

There are a few things that happen when you ride motorcycles, first is at some point, you will need mechanical assistance and second, AAA does not like motorcycles. I ran out of gas on Hawthorne and Folsom in the city. Luckily, I use to work around the corner from on KC and although I never used them to wrench, gave them props for just being there for being there as long as I can recall. Gas stations don't seem to have gas cans any longer but the folks at KC understood my plight, lent me a can and only charged $5 for a falling to get me to a station. As a small business owner, I recognize his hard it is to keep the doors open so big thumbs up for being super helpful and not gouging me to death. read more

KC Engineering - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

I recently bought a 2003 Buell Blast. It has low miles and was very reasonably priced. The only drawback was trying to find a repair shop willing to work on such an obscure make and model. However, the folks at KC Engineering didn't hesitate. Not only did they agree to work on it (a thorough tune up and inspection), they did it quickly and at a reasonable price. They are knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Like any other rider, I hope to keep my motorcycle out of the shop...but when I absolutely have to take it to one, I'm taking it to KC Engineering. Thank you guys! read more

Been going here to get my tires for 25 year the father knew all my uncles and would help them with there bikes. Stephanie and Christina really know there stuff. read more

The mechanic I used to bring my old Hondas to retired and recommended this place for all his old customers. I brought them a bike for a quick inspection and I was very happy with the service, the work done and the prides. Mainly, I felt they're very trustworthy, which can be an issue when trying out an unknown mechanic. Great place, I recommend b read more

Come check this place out. Not only do they have great customer service here but the people who helped me out went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of. read more

Brought in my classic 1965 Honda 305 Superhawk with a mysterious oil leak that fewer and fewer shops want to deal with. There accommodating staff scheduled me in right away with Dave, the head mechanic and he found and fixed the leak while I waited. Kudos to their first class customer service and expert troubleshooting. read more

This is the best place in the city to take your bike. I first took my bike to another mechanic in San Francisco because that guy was close to my house, and it was a nightmare, bike wouldn't start, couldn't figure out why. My friend tipped me off about KC Engineering so I took it here and they fixed it immediately and I've been going to them ever since. Highly recommend read more

Always helpful, fast, and always on point. Tire change done quick and always got the parts I need read more

KC Engineering - Great service - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The only place I've ever had my motos serviced. Everybody is friendly, in the business of helping you. Just amazing thank you ! read more

The most friendly repair service I've ever had. I have a Segway. It's not easy to find a place for a tire change service for my Segway. But KC Engineering can take the job perfectly. I ordered my tire online at more4motion and tried to charge it by myself. It's almost impossible if you have no experience of doing that. Thus I went to KC, their technicians were so friendly and they finished the work fast with a high quality. Surprisingly they even use the cleaner to clean the dirts on the surface of my Segway. It's not only how professional they are, but also the attitude they have. If you have a Segway that had tire or wheels problem, definitely go find them. BTW, order your tire or wheel parts online first. read more

KC Engineering - Segway tire changed perfectly! - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

Every time I've taken my bike to KC to get something fixed, in the process they mess something else up and don't take responsibility for it. I don't have the energy to go through it all, but after a clutch replacement job that had to be redone 2000 miles later, I couldn't shift into neutral. They were super reluctant to look at it saying it wasn't related to the clutch replacement. Which it obviously was since I've never had that issue before and it happened a day later. So they look into it take apart the clutch again and then the oil switch is flickering. I bring it back, they say its unrelated, my switch went out because of my clutch dying. Now my idol levels have been weird ever since that repair, still hard to shift into neutral, and now my bike wont start when its wet, and I'm out $1300. Each time I took it in I would have to call in for updates. When I had the second clutch replacement I was waiting for weeks with no updates. I really wanted to like this place but now I just feel like a sucker. read more

I had a great experience at KC Engineering, following my F800R BMW Motorcycle rear tire blowout!! The bike was towed to KC Engineering on Monday just before lunch time, and the work was expedited (as i use this bike for my daily commute) and completed by Tuesday morning!! Highly knowledgeable and qualified mechanics: * The right tire brand/model was recommend based on the high mileage I put on the bike. * The team identified also that my rear brake pads had to be changed, and were able to install new pads by Tuesday morning. * Identified an issue with my bike steering, and recommended how it should be fixed. Such a nice family owned motorcycle shop personal too: big thanks to Stephanie and Amanda for such a great experience!! Looking forward to scheduling my next bike oil/filter change there!! Cheers! read more

This has been a really unpleasant saga. I brought my vintage bike here since they were just about the only shop willing to take the project on ('81 Kawasaki, starter clutch replacement). Issue #1: They originally quoted two weeks, and had the bike for a total of five months. Issue #2: They called me and I ride shared over a total of three times to pick up the bike, twice it wasn't actually ready when I got there, despite being told it had already been test ridden. The amount I paid is roughly what was quoted. Issue #3: Three months after I got the bike back, it started regularly leaking oil. I had requested that all the seals and gaskets be replaced while they had the engine open originally, and the invoice stated that had been done. Issue #4: I contacted them to bring the bike back in for that (hopefully) warranty work to be performed, they said they'd order the parts and contact me "in a couple days" to arrange a time for the work. I contacted them four weeks later because they never reached out. Issue #5: I brought the bike in, and was called at 10:30 at night by a friend who lives nearby who informed me that they left my bike out on the street, in a spot where it would be ticketed or towed for street cleaning that night. They do not regularly leave any bikes out, they just forgot all about mine. I had to come over and move it to a legal space in the middle of the night. By 10am, they hadn't even noticed that my bike was missing. I'm awaiting the receipt of the bike and the bill. I will not be returning. Update: I got the bike back, they comped the parts and charged me for labor. It still leaks oil. I called them and let Stephanie know that it isn't fixed, and that I won't be back. Based on my experience, and the conversations I've had with other customers, it seems that they're fine for tire and oil changes. If you need anything more than the basics, or need it on a timeline, find anyone else. read more

Love this place! Family owned and operated. They're knowledgeable, extremely competent, and super friendly. They have an excellent selection of parts, new/used odds and ends, even for vintage bikes. On numerous occasions they've dug around the shop for a random/obscure part I was looking for...and successfully come through with a find! Did you know you could use an old CB rear axle rod to remove a CB750 alternator rotor? They're tool organization on the wall also brings me much joy. read more

Fast - Efficient and Affordable. Was pleasantly surprised with the staff at K.C Engineering, came in for a quick oil change on my Yamaha, they were fast, gave me a good deal and also some tips on how to better take care of my bike. Totally recommend them to anyone and everyone. Especially big thanks Stephanie!! read more

2x now have had excellent, rapid, and friendly service. Tires plugged and mounted for SF-reasonable pricing. Then I came by today to figure out a super random bolt size I can't find for my bike. They wrestled it in and figured it out in 5 min - no charge. Will definitely use again for minor services. read more

mounted my DRZ tire BACKWARDS, there are arrows on the tire?!?! cost me a trip back to San Francisco and a week of commuting. On top of that technician was putting blame on me for the incorrect mounting. please. can only imagine what errors are made during technical work. This experience led me to buy a tire mounting stand and long spoons. lost a few customers for life. read more

Stephanie is awesome. Very knowledgeable, very helpful. Came in to get my chain replaced. Luckily for me KC Engineering had my chain and installed it not needing an appointment. Thank you Stephanie, you're awesome. read more

I've been going to KC for years for new motorcycle tires and I've never been disappointed. Yes you could get them a bit cheaper online and have them mounted and balanced somewhere else but I like supporting them. I've always gotten good support and never had an issue with them. I've also not had them do any mechanical work on my bikes because I prefer to do that myself. read more

KC Engineering - Motorcycle Repair Near Me - San Francisco, California

TLDR, if you need a repair in SF, this is your place. Friendly staff, great work, reasonable prices. I think this is my first review ever on Yelp, but I wanted to make sure I called out great service! I had a pretty specific problem with my bike that a lot of repair shops claimed they couldn't fix because a lack of parts. Once I bought OEM parts, other repair shops quoted me a high price (because I was bringing my own parts) and were inflexible with scheduling. KC Engineering fixed my bike perfectly, performed an oil change, pumped my tires, kindly told me about the fixes they made, and did it all at a very fair price. I would say call ahead to be safe as they can get busy because of how popular/in-demand their services are. Thanks again Stephanie! read more

Had a nail in my rear tire and they put a plug in it and got me safely back on the road again!

After posting a previous review, I got a call from the owner/manager. It sounds like they charge a lot because that's their cost of doing business. She did offer an apology for the fact that the estimate wasn't given up front and/or I wasn't called before the work was performed. She also mentioned that if I had said something to the cashier, the cashier could have given me a small discount. Finally, she did offer the discount either immediately or on future work in the hopes of retaining my business. Overall, I'm updating the review because while the work was expensive, the service was prompt and friendly. More importantly, it seems they do take criticism constructively and to heart. So I guess you should still make sure you get a clear estimate up front: It could be expensive, but maybe that's just what it costs to do business in SF these days. All said, I do think honesty and taking care of their customers is important for them. read more

Excellent service! Owner & Management top notch. 5x

220 for one rear tire lol I bought a set somewhere else for 253 and installed for 100 With them I would've been otd for 475+ Why so friggin expensive at kc engineering read more

One of the best gem in the SF Downtown. The service and the catalog they have for the parts is massive. They have been in the scene for a long time and the whole team is great to provide knowledge and the service regarding the work done, and any questions regarding the bike would be answered. The owner is super sweet and gets parts for upgrading your ride. read more

I am not stoked to be leaving this review. Because I actually think the folks at KC are good hearted people. Which is the only reason this review is for 2 stars and not 1. But after the experience I've had with them over the last two months I just couldn't let this slide. I had two bikes with them since February. One bike took them over 7 weeks to even look at before beginning the work. Not including the 2 weeks it took for me to get an appointment. They over-promised, under-delivered, and overcharged me. Not to mention the entire time I was the one who had to call for updates on my motorcycle. They originally quoted the job as 4 hours of work. How that took 2 months...I'll never know. The second bike is a much scarier story. I brought a bike to them that had been tipped over on the street and needed handlebars, mirrors, and the forks adjusted. Well when I picked it up the throttle would get stuck at WOT. The idle was erratic. And the mirrors they installed were not the ones I had ordered. They also put me back on the bike without even touching the alignment of the forks. It was a truly colossal f*ck up. They're response, "We don't know what to tell you". Great job owning up to your mistakes guys. This shop tried to put me back on a very dangerous motorcycle without even taking it for a test ride themselves. And this is inexcusable to me. I personally called the owner to see if he could make things right. But Kenny just ended up yelling at me on the phone instead. If you take your bike to these folks (and I wouldn't) I would be sure to do a once over yourself before riding down the street. read more

Just wanted to thank Stephanie and her team for all the years of wonderful service. I sold my scooter yesterday (sad face) and I'll miss going in for my tune-ups and visiting. Right before I sold it, I took it in for a checkup and they did such a nice job that the buyer didn't haggle, and I got my full asking price. Thanks for keeping me, safely, on the road these last 20 years. read more