I've known Ron forever, longer than 40 years. Very few people can prep a motorcycle for anything from a street ride to a race bike at this level. 600+ races and to the best of my memory not a mechanical DNF (did not finish) without factory support. I can only recall only a single event where he sustained an injury, still raced and placed. I know this because I held his bike at the starting line, while he limped his way over. The trophies and plaques that adorn the shop are testament to his experience, patience and good old fashioned persistence. He nearly won the Nevada Rally, single handedly without support, against the best riders/race teams in the world. He finished 3rd. I purchased my only street bike from him, and he prepped the bike for me every spring. Other than normal parts failure, (1) clutch and (1) electrical failure which could not be predicted, my motorcycle performed flawlessly. Pretty shining record for an 8 year old motorcycle, that I rode hard for 8 years. Not too mention that it was 'new underwear' fast. On both occasions he arrived within an hour with a trailer, after answering my distress call. You could go elsewhere, deal with 3 different people whose knowledge stacked together wouldn't measure up. Get put on hold, and wind up hanging up the phone without the answer you called for in the first place. Your choice,... a technician, businessman and rider whose been doing this since before he could drive, or just some guy who applied for and 'got a job'. read more

Ron is probably one of the most knowledgeable guys I've ever dealt with when it comes to motorcycles, but he never uses that against you. He's incredibly honest about the work that he's doing and always explains why, and will never spend your money unless absolutely necessary. He even said "I'll spend your money like it's my own." With that being said, the guys over at Northwestern Cycle Center will never jerk you around or make you feel as if you have been cheated out of your money like some cycle shops do. Their rates are incredibly competitive and certainly undercut many of the larger shops in all of Lake and McHenry County. They have worked on probably every bike under the sun, so if you're like me and have an older Honda CBR, or if you're like my Uncle that rides around on his newer Harley Cruiser, Ron and Bob will ensure that they get exactly what you need done in a timely manner and it won't cost an arm or a leg either. I can tell you that I'll never be going to another shop for my bike, and I live all the way in Chicago. Thanks again guys! read more

Ron at Northwest Cycle Center really cares about his customers..... Even better, he really cares about the bikes that he works on and sells. I recently brought in my 22' Beta Xtrainer that had an issue with the display and was in need of routine maintenance. Ron was able to work with Beta direct and get the display sorted out under warranty. He provided suggestions on minor upgrades and performed an oil change, cleaned the air filter, topped off the oil injection, etc. Then explained everything in detail when I came to pick up my bike. Ron took the time to ensure I understood everything that was completed without making me feel rushed. Northwest Cycle Center provides a personalized customer experience. You're not just another number like some of the big chain stores. read more

I've had some issues with my 2002 Honda Shadow not running well and have always taken it to the dealer, but their service was suspect. After talking with others, Northwest Cycle Center was recommended to me and I couldn't be happier with Ron and his knowledge of bikes as well as his honesty in what I needed. His exceptional skills and integrity have made me a new supporter. Sometimes people have intangible qualities that make them valuable. Ron is one of those people. It's not just his professionalism, knowledge, or reliability that make people want to get their bikes fixed by him. It's the combination of those traits that make him a trustworthy, valuable motorcycle mechanic. I feel fortunate to have met Ron and had him fix my bike. read more

Ron was absolutely the best! he took so much time helping me to make the right choice on a Beta trials bike. He is an expert and super professional. It was a totally amazing experience and I felt good about my purchase. It isn't always easy to purchase a motorcycle from another state site unseen but through Northwest Cycle Center it was no big deal. I will buy from them again with no worries. I could not have been happier with the whole process. I know I can rely on Ron for any help I need he even responded to me after business hours. This guy is the real deal. I had him ship my motorcycle to me in Utah from Illinois and it was still cheaper than buying local with even better customer service!!! read more

I have owned my scooter for 5 years. Usually my son in law takes care of it for me. Recently my headlight burned out and I needed to find a new bulb. My son in law said Northwest Cycle was the place to go. After removing the bulb I thought it would be impossible to find a replacement in McHenry. Wrong! Ron Rivenburgh of Northwest Cycle not only had the bulb but installed it, cleaned up my scooter and charged me a fraction of what I had expected to pay! Even better he didn't make fun of my scooter as many motorcycle enthusiasts have a tendency to do! Ron, you have earned my business and I tell everyone I know who needs cycle service that you're the man. Thanks so much! Colleen B. read more

I had a lawnmower spindle of which the pulley broke. I could not get the nut holding the pulley off after several days of trying everything suggested on the internet. My neighbor saw me working on it today and said I should take it to the cycle shop up on Ringwood Road (Northwest Cycle Center), which I did. and the fella there worked on it and got the nut dislodged. I am very happy with the help they gave me with such short notice. They were friendly and got the job done. I would recommend that if you need service for your motor cycle, skooter, ATV, etc., that you check out the service at Northwest Cycle Center, 2216 N. Ringwood Road, McHenry, IL. read more

When they say they service all makes and models, they mean it. My husband loaned his Benelli to a friend who then dropped it. It took 6 months to get the replacement parts from Italy but then we couldn't find anyone in Illinois who would work on a Benelli. Finally we received a referral to Ron and in less than a week the bike was better than new. Ron found some things that hadn't been assembled correctly from the start so he fixed them. Warning: if a friend tells you he doesn't have his motorcycle license but he has been riding for years, don't loan him your bike. read more

My '88 Harley was stranded at home. I did not know how I was going to get it anywhere to be fixed...all the expense of having it towed, etc. scared me. Then, I remembered passing this shop and I read ALL the good reviews here. Ron actually came over and adjusted the clutch so I could get the bike in without getting it towed. Then, he made the needed repai rat his shop, which sounded difficult to me. I was SOOOOO relieved that he came over so I could get it in and that it was NOT expensive. I am coming here from now on and recommending everyone to Ron. read more

What a pleasure to find real mechanics who can diagnose a problem and fix it rather than simply "remove and replace"! I brought them my little 1985 Honda Gyro that had driveline problems. They disassembled as necessary, found the problem and reassembled it. It works fine now. Most other shops would have used the problem as an opportunity to throw unnecessary parts at it and charged me a small fortune. They did not. Ron is a real straight shooter and I heartedly recommend you bring your bike to him for whatever ails it. read more

I have been taking my bike's to Northwest Cycle for about 14 years now and I would never think about going anywhere else. Ron has gone out of his way to save me a buck many times. These guys know what there doing! Unlike many other people in the business who make a easy buck off someone who is less knowledgeable, Ron and Bob are always looking for ways to save their customers money. I guess to keep it simple they are good honest people who do very good work and they really don't like to spend your money! read more

As a new motorcycle enthusiast, I don't have a lot of knowledge. Ron patently explains everything to me and treats me as though I'm his most important customer when I'm there. His pricing is fair and he doesn't talk down to me because I'm a woman. I really appreciate all of the tips and pointers that he gives me. He definitely goes above and beyond in his commitment and his knowledge is outstanding. Thanks for all that you've done Ron...You're the best!!! read more

Ron was very accommodating and professional. He was always available for questions and for pick up/drop off of my bike, even offering after hours availability if needed. He explained the repairs he did in detail. His prices seemed very fair. He even called days later to follow up and make sure all was fine. I haven't needed a repair in some time and this was my first time at Northwest Cycle. This will definately be my mechanic of choice for any future needs. read more

There are a lot of places that sell trials bikes but are they there to provide service? Are they there to help with parts? Are they at the local competitions and actually ride? If you want a dealer that does all of these things, and more, do yourself a favor and contact Ron. He can help you find that first bike or help you upgrade to a new(er) ride. I'm so happy I took the time to seek him out and establish a relationship. I promise, you won't regret it. read more

Ron has been taking care of our motorcycles from 4 or 5 years. Always a great job. Recently had some wiring and lighting installed. Ron and Bob helped me find the right lights that weren't out of my price range. The installation looks custom like it came with the bike. Great job! Always helpful. Ron spends time talking with you to make sure you're getting things done just the way you want. Would recommend them to anyone. read more

Ron at Northwest Cycle Center was outstanding to work with. I purchased a new Beta trials bike from him and he went above and beyond to make it a fantastic experience. He went out of his way to work with me to ensure I got the bike setup the best way for my riding needs. It was a rare pleasure to work with such a hard working and experienced person in the motorcycle business. He has a customer for life in me. read more

Ron and Bob at Northwest Cycle Center are very honest and nice guys. Dave and I had an issue with the lights on our Harley motorcycle on a recent trip. We were up that way. Dave and I stopped by. They were busy and took the time to fix the problem. Thanks guys. They are very knowledgeable and personable. read more

Ron and the family as honest and knowledgeable as they come- I've been through a few "other" cycle repair shops in the area and one disappointment after another - Ron sets the bar and this is a lifer shop - kudos and you will not be disappointed from service to price and to turnaround - read more

Northwest Cycle ROCKS! Ron is super knowledgeable on all bikes. He did work on both my Harley and Suzuki Intruder at a very fair price and always takes the time to explain the work he did. Go to Ron for all of your motorcycle needs! read more