Bishop's Performance - Customer Testimonials

Here are just a few of the notes that we've received from our customers.
Note: Some letters have been edited for content. For privacy, last name initials only are listed.
Send us an email - Your comments, good or bad, are always welcome.

April 13, 2002 = Matt H., MI Photo of Matt's bike "FrankenKing", Matt's Dyno graph
I had fun with my 106 ft-lbs until I learned an important lesson again: cheap chrome won't get you home. Cheap chrome will only sit you on the side of the road. While riding two-up on Telegraph Rd, a blue Fat Boy passed me hell bent for fame. As any showoff with a "FrankenKing" and a pretty girl on the back would do, I decided to catch him at the next light and wallop him good. This was easy, even 2-up, and the guy gave a thumbs up to a bike that had bested the hell out of him. The little run was no problem and only required short shifting to win.
Then it happened. "It" being a driveline snatch that stopped me in the first church parking lot that I had been in two years. The pulley had come loose from the rear wheel, messing up the pulley and stripping the threads in the rear wheel. Yes, I used red Loctite. Yes, I torqued the bolts to specs. What I did notice when I did these things last winter was that the pretty chrome pulley cover ($20) dimpled under the required bolt torque. On a "normal" Harley, it would not have allowed the free-play to work the bolts loose and cause the failure. With low-end torque like the FrankenKing, the dimples became tears, which gave the bolts 1/8" of loose threads. Once the threads were loose, it was just a matter of time before "it" happened.
Bill, your badassed motors deserve more than a cheap chrome pulley cover. If a customer ever asks for a pulley beautification project, tell them chain, BDL pulley, or nothing at all. Show anybody wanting a chrome pulley cover this letter so that they may learn from my mistake. Mine will soon again be the bulletproof cycle that I have grown to know and love. It has never run as good as you made it run today. I really want to thank you and Amy for your help in making my Road King such a fun bike. I feel like more than just a customer with both of you.
Thanks for being a performance freak!
Big Matt (R.I.P.)

February 27, 2003 = Jim R., MI
Bill and Amy,
Just got the postcard for the new shop. I had my 86 Sportster in (the shop where you used to work last summer) for hard starting and you were kind enough to stick around Saturday night (Labor Day weekend) so I could pick it up. The Sporty never started this easy when it was brand new. I appreciate the work and you both going out of your way to get it back to me on a holiday weekend. I have a Classic on order, so when it comes in, I'll have to see what you can do to my 883.
Good luck with the new shop,
Jim

April 14, 2003 = Darren L., GA
Hey Bill -
Just wanted to say thanks for the helpful service and great work on my heads. I put them on this past week and the difference is notable. The bike runs strong and pulls hard all the way through. Most importantly, it's fun to ride! When I get the exhaust switched, I'll dyno it and let you know how it did. I'll definitely recommend you to my buddies who are looking for head work. Thanks again!
Darren

May 30, 2003 = Tony D., PA Photo of Tony's Deuce Tony's Dyno graph
Hi Bill,
I spoke to you a couple of weeks ago with regards to a set of heads you did for a buddy of mine which I happened to acquire. When I spoke to you I was having problems with my valve seals, one was leaking pretty bad. It was replaced at my local Harley dealer and everything seems to be fine. I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and answering my questions. I also had it dynoed at the Virginia State Rally last weekend by RollingThunder Dyno. John, who runs the dyno machine, was pretty impressed with the results. Considering I'm running flat top pistons, SE 211 cam, a CV 44mm carb, SE non-selectable ignition, a Thunderheader and of course SE Performance "HammerHeads". I'm sending you a copy of the dyno sheet, feel free to use it if you like.
Thanks again, Tony

September 12, 2003 = "Speedy" Don S., IN Don's Dyno graph Don's Time ticket
Hello Hammer & Li'l Amy! Hope your business is booming. My bike still runs GREAT! I am racing sprint cars this year. I pointed my brother your way - told him there is no better place to take his bike.
Thanks again!
Speedy

April 29, 2004 = Ken M., Winsor, Ontario Photo of Ken's bike
Bill, I emailed you last year around this time asking about remapping my Power Commander after I went to your former place of employment and they screwed it up. I still have not gotten it fixed proper and have been kind of hoping you would get a dyno in your new shop. I checked your page the other day and my prayers have been answered. You mapped it two years ago and did such a great job. It seems that you're the only one around that knows what you're doing! I'll call you soon to schedule an appointment. Thanks!
Ken M.

My buddy owns a bike shop, and they couldn't wait to race, as I was the only one who didn't follow their package. I have no numbers for hp or torque, but what I can tell ya is for a 95 inch my bike goes like a raped ape......... no one leaves me behind! First bike I raced was my buddy's 103 inch SS evo stroker -

Ride safe, Nick D.

May 1, 2005 = Tony C., TX   Photo of Tony's bike
You wouldn't believe how jealous folks have been since I got my bike finished. The work you did was fantastic. For what was put in the bike, the horsepower and torque was great. Several guys have gone and purchased bigger cams, larger heads and the like, but STILL can't keep up...YES!!! I'm like a squirrel with big nutts. I'm getting much better gas mileage and it drives great on long hauls.
Are you going to Sturgis? If so, let me know where you'll be, I would love to shake your hand. Heck, I'm sure the guys with me will be wanting to send you some business if and when they bite the bullet.
   Tony C.
        (editors note: Sorry, we won't be in Sturgis - too busy making sure everyone else gets to go. )

November 29, 2005 = Charles C., AR Charles' Dyno Graph
You may recall that last spring you bored my cylinders to 95 in and gave the TC88 heads your stage 2 treatment. (2000 FXD). We used the SE 10.25:1 pistons and .040 Cometic head gasket. My final build ended up like this:

December 17, 2005 = Rick C., KY Photo of Rick's Electra Glide
Bill: Got my E-Glide back from H-D Bowling Green KY yesterday, only got to ride it for a few minutes 'cause it's FREAKIN' COLD, but first impressions are IT ROCKS!! Can't wait to get some time in the saddle. Thanks for your help! Your head work got positive comments from the guys at the shop on both quality of work and price. Got a feelin' they may send some work your way.
I'm starting on my next bike, may take me 3-4 months to get it all done. I bought an '05 FXDC, unlike my FLHTC which is built for solid touring performance, the FXDC will be a road burner. Thanks for your help as I'm kinda new to whoopin' up the Harley engine, although I have a good general mechanical knowledge. I value your insights and advice.
Rick C.

March 13, 2006 = Deb & Ted, MI Photo of Deb & Ted
By the way, I wanted to let you and Bill know that my bike is working GREAT! It shifts like a dream, it brakes perfectly, the choke is amazingly cooperative, and even the clutch lever and brake levers were adjusted well. I even have more control in first gear than I've ever had before. The bike isn't shimmying in the back anymore, and the engine is purring. Finally, I am getting the benefit of the work you guys did on it last August right before my unexpected fast stop! Seriously, you did a great job and I couldn't be happier. And, yes, you can quote me anytime. Bishop's does great work!!
Deb

...and we have been going exclusively to you and Bill ever since Bill took the time, without an appointment or even knowing us, to re-jet Deb's bike when we came in last May. It's a better experience all around and you guys are just plain nice!
Ted

April 3, 2006 = Don B., VA    Photo of Don     Dyno Graph      Time Ticket
   My most sincere and honest Thank You ! ...goes to Hammer and Amy for the Awesome build he did on my Roadking... I am so very, very, satisfied with it I cannot find the words to exactly describe how I feel about it...
    Janet and I got to Bill's shop early afternoon on Friday and within 15 minutes I was on the Roadking taking it for my first ride. I knew that it should run good but I had no idea of what I was in store for when I whacked that throttle for the first time.... I left Bill's shop just taking it easy to let the motor come up to temp. and to get out of the traffic somewhat before opening it up. I finally got some clear road and I came almost to a complete stop and clicked it into 1st gear...when I whacked her open I felt a rush of pure power I have never experienced before on a Harley... I ran it through the gears and could not believe what just happened as I wasn't opening it up all the way....I was absolutely shocked...I could not believe that a Roadking could run like this....I immediately had to do it again and this time I opened it up a little more than the first but still not wide open as I was still in town...after running through the gears that time and getting her slowed down, I busted out laughing to myself...it was unbelievable...   I then wanted to see how it acted just cruising around town in traffic so I headed back to the shop through the busiest area I could find....the bike just purred right along with no hesitation or surging at all...Before I got back to the shop, I realized that I was riding my dream build.... It can be rode around town with no problems or can cruise along at highway speeds and with a crack of the throttle feel your arms getting longer.... and the Best of all... I can run it on a track and feel a rush of power that will give you an adrenalin rush that will last for hours...
     Last year after I did the ______ build...I thought it ran good....but with this build there is no comparison at all.....it is way more than I could have dreamed for.
     This was something I have been wanting to do for a very long while and everything ended up working out perfect. I can't say enough good about Hammer and Amy, they are two very special people and they have made me very happy. I have to tell everyone this...I have never met anyone more devoted to their work and their business then Bill and Amy, they work very hard at their shop and both of them put in some very long hours, their goal is to please the customer and you don't find that very often these days. Bill is the most knowledgeable Harley mechanic I have ever met and I'm not just saying that because he did my build, all someone has to do is talk with him for awhile and you will find out for yourself....Nuff said... Did I mention how much I like my Roadking? =o)

    May 13, 2006     I blew away a 124" Street Glide today!
     I finally met up with the yuppy lawyer today...he wouldn't race me... But one of his yuk yuk big mouth comrades with a 124" street glide told me he would blow me off the road...I told him he would have to prove it to me... The race was on then....they had me follow them out of town a few miles to a old industrial area where there was a long stretch of straight road that couldn't be seen from the highway...a perfect race track... We lined up at a sign post and one guy was going to flag us to start and another bike went down the road 1/4 mile...I have been practicing shifting with the shift-light since I installed it...I've got it set at 6000rpm's and I've been shifting it pretty good without hitting the limiter...I held the rev's at what I judged to be about 3000rpm's as I don't have a tach...I made a good launch and the street glide was right beside me until I hit 3rd gear and then he was history...I just flat out pulled away from him and he couldn't keep up...I must have beat him by at least 5 or 6 bike lengths...and it felt DAMN GOOD..!!!!   There were about 12 guys on bikes there...a few of them with 103's that were talking about running me after the street glide was supposed to have blown me away...they wouldn't say squat about running me after seeing me run their comrade....the yuppy lawyer would only say that he had more work to do on his build....
     Today was the day I've been waiting on for a long time....this clique of yuppy azzholes finally got what they deserved...Today made everything I've put into this build worth every dollar....and then some...
     I'm sure before the season is over Hammer will probably be getting some work from this area....I was wearing my Bishops T-shirt today and I swear I saw a couple of the guys there writing down the website off the back of my shirt.
     All those guys are now re-thinking about the guy they use for their builds and tuning... I have never seen it but this guy's dyno sheet supposedly shows way better #'s than mine... I had always thought that the guy they go to for tuning was trumping up the dyno sheets somehow as I have seen dyno runs from him on builds that I know couldn't produce some of the #'s that I've seen on their dyno sheets....that long black dyno always tells the truth...
     I wish you could have been there ...the looks on their faces was priceless....
Thank You again for the great job you did on my bike!
Don

May 31, 2006 = Barb B., WI    Photo of Barb and her brother, Karl
     You guys are awesome! I knew from the twinkle in Bill's eyes that my sporty would be better, it was waaaaay beyond better. Even after we got back I couldn't get off! Amy you were right, it was like riding a new bike.
     Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you!!!   It was really great to meet you, and I look forward to seeing you guys again.
    Gratefully Yours, Barb

August 3, 2006 = Stephen O., TN
Hello Amy,
I received my cam kit today. I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know truly how much of a pleasure it was doing business with you. I really just lucked up on your web site. If you provide all of your customers with the same friendly and expedited service you provided me with I am certain you must have a booming business. I will send you some pics of the bike at completion and I will certainly be in touch in the future if I decide to go further with the heads. Thanks again!
Stephen O.

November 1, 2006 = Richard S., SC
Bill and Amy,
Thought you would like to know how the engine came out. After the rear cam bearing failed (known problem for H-D) in my 2001 Softail, I put in a 106" S&S stroker kit with S&S pistons (3-7/8” bore), HTCC heads reworked by Bishop's Performance, Andrews TW60G cams, James Gaskets. Engine runs GREAT, plenty of power, totally a different bike, a joy to ride again. Thanks again for your suggestions and work on the heads.
Richard S.

March 4, 2007 = Brian G., OH Photo of Brian's Fatboy Brian's Dyno graph
Thanks Hammer, Amy and Shaggy!
I am so freaking happy with all the work you guys did for me! I took her out today for a little spin and it just keeps getting better! I cannot wait to get her on the track and see what she can really do. I will recommend you guys to as many people as I can, you all are really great people and you know your bikes!!!!! Thanks again!
Brian "2004Fatboy" G.

May 15, 2007 = Mike W., WI
Thanks so much for your help in designing this for me and putting all the right pieces together. Everything was thought of in advance and all parts were packaged beautifully. A real boost in the range I already ride in, so no changes have to be made to my riding style which is a big plus. Did some two-up and highway travel with passing upgrades and it works great. I couldn't be more pleased with your build advice and professionalism in sales that you showed me. Please know if any of my friends contemplate engine work on their bikes I will tell them all about you. Thanks for the miles of smiles I had coming home this weekend!
Mike W.

May 16, 2007 = G. "Mac" B., FL
Dear Hammer,
This letter of sincere thanks is long overdue, and I apologize. I wanted to let you know that you did a terrific job on the build for my new Harley Tour Bike (103"). Although I have not had it dyno tested yet, the performance is everything that I had hoped it would be and the 58mm throttle body did an amazing trick for the bike. It now runs right up there with my best buddy who has a custom built 113 cid engine that puts out about 120 ft-lbs. of torque.
She looks like a stock bagger, but runs like a scalded dog! Took her up to 115 mph in fourth gear, and that was fast enough for me. She’s a “real sleeper”, and loaded with torque! I feel proud now, to finally be a member of the Big Dog Club, and no longer have to stay on the porch! Now I have to try hard to wipe the big grin off my face as I pass ‘em on the highway!
If you ever have any clients looking for a similar build, feel free to give them my address, email or phone. I will be happy to recommend your expert services.
Once again, I feel like a kid on Christmas Morning . . . . . everyday when I ride! Thanks.
Sincerely, and with great appreciation,
Mac B., Orlando, FL

May 18, 2007 = Ray H., MT
Took a while to get 'er all put back together and broke in. Just had the Tuning Link thing done over on a Dynojet & came up with 96 horses and 103 ft lbs; 80-85lbs starting at around 2500 rpm! Woohoo! Thanks for the advice on the cam (S&S 570G), it worked out great....Anyway, beautiful work! Thank you much!
Ray H.

June 4, 2007 = Leo J., MI Photo of Leo's Road King
Bill & Amy, I'm not sure a guy my age is supposed to have this much fun! I have not stopped smiling since I picked up my bike on Friday! Thanks for all your help and thanks for all the fun. Let everyone know that all of the Legion Riders were just as impressed with the sound and performance.
Leo J.

July 10, 2007 = Nick R., MI Photo of Nick's Electra Glide Classic
Amy and Bill, Annette and I just returned from a week long bike trip through the Smokey Mountains and I wanted to send you a quick thank you note. The changes that you recommended and subsequently made worked to perfection. The bike was loaded with the two of us and a weeks worth of gear and had plenty of power to cruise 85mph on the highway there and back and sail up the mountains with ease. Thanks for a job well done! The bike ran flawlessly and was more enjoyable than ever to ride. I tell anyone who will listen about my experience at Bishops.
Nicholas R., Lear Corporation

July 23, 2007 = Mike R., OH
Mike from Montpelier Ohio here. Just wanted to say thanks for getting my recent oil order to me quickly. Needed it for this weekend and it was here on Friday. What great service! The recent S&S IST Ignition I purchased from you worked out fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better product as it solved all of my ignition concerns. I tell everyone I talked to, or on the net, to purchased anything they need from Bishops!
Best Regards, Mike R.

November 1, 2007 = Mark M., OH Photo #1 Photo #2 Photo #3
Bill & Amy - These were taken at a Halloween poker run. Still the fastest bike around!!

March 31, 2008 = Ted W., IL
Bill & Amy, I finally found time to put the (113") engine together and get it back in the '07 Street Glide. The engine has incredible, amazing and effortless power. You just barely roll on the throttle and this thing makes some power. I have only a few miles on it so far and did not want to run it real hard but it is very strong. The power band is very wide and it pulls strong all the way thru the RPM range. The torque curve seems almost totally flat. I can't say I have ever ridden a bike with more pulling power......it flat makes you hang on to stay on the seat. I want to get a few more miles on it before I run it flat out but this thing is FAST!!
Will keep in touch, Ted W.

Horsepower is an illusory mathematical equation. Torque is real and the source of all good things in the world.

Horsepower
is an illusory
mathematical equation.
Torque is real
and the source of all
good things in the world.