Family-owned shop aims to offer everything a motorcycle lover needs
Dan Martinello knows his way around a motorcycle.
He had is first Benelli -- an Italian bike -- at the age of 5. And like his father, Martinello took to the world of motorcycle racing when he was young.
Today, he focuses on fixing up bikes -- a trade he picked up at a young age.
"I've been working on motorcycles my whole life," said Martinello, who has built a few motorcycles as well.
He and his wife, Heather, will celebrate the grand re-opening of their business, Nello's Motorcycles, on Aug. 25 at their new location in Batavia. The 3,000 square foot store, located at 555 S. River Street, includes space for a repair shop and floor space for motorcycle accessories and clothing. Behind the shop, another 4,000 square feet is available for year-round storage of classic cars and motorcycles.
"We're a full-service shop," said Heather Martinello.
The couple moved into the space after two years in a 1,700 square foot Batavia storefront that required the use of the Martinello's garage for bike repairs at times. Martinello started out fixing bikes in his garage for friends.
"Our reputation, by word of mouth, grew," said Heather Martinello.
"We've done quite well," she added. "Being in a much larger facility is a reflection of the good work we do."
Though Dan does the repair work, Heather Martinello also is well versed in motorcycles. She handles much of the accessories and clothing -- something she once did for another company. She also handles organizing special events and motorcycle runs for the shop.
"I've always loved motorcycles just as much as my husband," she said.
The couple also has help from other family members -- including their son, Nick, son-in-law Matt Soti and daughter Lauren Soti. Between all the family members, they own eight motorcycles that include some Harleys and a scooter Heather rides around town.
"It's a huge family affair," said Dan Martinello.
This past week, the family got to work on custom bike built by Orange County Choppers. The bike, built for Air Gas, was brought in by one of the shop's regular customers who works for Air Gas and had been touring with the bike, which needed repair for a leaky gasket. Martinello had it fixed within a day.
In addition to motorcycle repairs, Martinello builds two or three custom bikes in his shop each year. The shop also services about 30 bikes a week for repairs or to add popular accessories such as chrome controls or exhaust pipes.
"No one can buy a stock bike and leave it alone," Martinello said, adding that motorcyclists often joke about leaving bikes as they come. "Everyone has to make it their own by picking and choosing their own accessories."
The couple plans to celebrate the grand opening of their new shop with store specials, live music, food and a tattoo artist.
The shop, which also sells motorcycles on consignment, is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop can be reached by calling (630) 406-6188 or visiting www.nellosmotorcycles.com.
The next scheduled bike run is on Sept. 15. The "Ride on 25" will benefit the American Cancer Society and is being held in memory of Heather Martinello's sister, Lori Kissane.