An old carwash on the outskirts of Hamilton has been transformed into a location for motorcycle sales and service.

New business partners Kenny Pemberton and Kenneth DeSilva, opened Custom Mechanics near the Bull’s Head car park at 5 Jackson Way.

Custom Mechanics was previously located on St John’s Road and run only by Mr DeSilva. Today, the pair are selling Yamahas and Hondas and offering to service most bikes.

“We have been friends for a long time,” said Mr Pemberton who owns Gear and Gadget on Queen Street in Hamilton. “Kenneth asked me to partner up with him to scale the business.”

The hardest thing about opening the new location was the time it took to ready the premises.

The structure was designed for water from the carwash to run out of the building. However, when the business partners took it over, they quickly found that over the years, water had not escaped as well as expected.

“There were leaks,” Mr Pemberton said. “The place was in bad condition after sitting empty for several years.”

There was also water damage from flooding after periods of heavy rain. There is a creek running through the area.

“The property managers helped us outfit it and deal with planning,” Mr Pemberton said. “We had to gut the place.”

Custom Mechanics now offers 24-hour roadside assistance and seven days-a-week sales and services.

“You can have your oil changed while you go to church,” Mr Pemberton said. “You can come in when you have time.”

He handles the sales side, but has an interest in mechanics and plans to get his mechanics certification. Mr DeSilva has been a mechanic for 17 years.

Mr DeSilva is excited about the new garage.

He said: “I love the cleanliness, because that is the type of work I produce. I am known for my attention to detail. I like everything to be well organised in the garage. I like everything to be in its place.”

They sell motorcycles and accessories for many different brands. Mr Pemberton said just about any part of the cycle can be customised.

“Most people change the suspension and exhaust and do clutch upgrades,” he said. “Motorcycles perform differently depending on the road conditions and gradation, and the weight of the rider.”

They are handling some services for Cycle Care, just around the corner on Serpentine Road, but will work on motorcycles from anywhere.

“We are working with anyone that is willing to work with us,” Mr Pemberton said. “We are not in competition with anyone. We are trying to do what is best for our customers.”

Staff consists of Mr Pemberton, Mr DeSilva, and an apprentice, and they are in the process of bringing in another mechanic from overseas. “That has already been approved,” he said.

Eventually, Custom Mechanics would like to employ three or four mechanics. They would also hope to train more local apprentices.

“We are community minded” Mr Pemberton said. “There is a shortage of talent. We want to provide opportunities for young people.”