It's the price we pay for riding a unique brand. Nearest good Triumph shop to me is 120 miles away. I tried the local dealer and I won't be going back after they put the bolts on only 2 or 3 threads deep on my front right caliper, and they fell out less than 3 miles away on one of the busiest streets in Tucson during rush hour.
Best thing you can do is learn how to work on the bike yourself. Just by reading these forums, and asking for advice when you aren't sure about something, is the way to go. This way you get to know your bike better, and you don't have to worry about some incompetent mechanic trying to get you killed. These bikes aren't really THAT hard to work on. Just buy a shop manual, or the new Haynes manual and you'll be on your way.
Btw, if you're looking for advice on custom work, try
www.bitterendchoppers.com . They're in Indiana, but they've done a frame and build on a Triumph bobber/chopper using a new Bonneville. Maybe an e-mail to them can get some advice about your ideas...like the nacelle headlight.
