Duane was born in Lake County and his family goes back four generations in the county. He graduated from Clearlake High School and joined the Army where he was a combat flight paramedic and medic instructor.
After the Army Duane became a merchant marine and was stationed aboard a Military sea lift pose-positioned Military ship in Gaum.
Riding and working on Harleys has been his passion since he bought his first Harley in 1979, an Iron Head Sprotster. He decided to turn his passion for Harleys into a career so he went to and completed Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) in Phoenix, Az. He also completed the Harley-Davidson factory tests and became a certified Master Level Harley-Davidson Professional (PHD).
After technical training and graduation Duane worked in both Harley-Davidson dealers and after market shops where he gained on the job training in H-D and other V-twin motorcycles.
Duane decided to go into business for himself and opened the doors to his shop in May of 2008. "It has been a great and gratifying experience and I look forward to working with bike owners from all parts of northern California and beyond".
While heading to Konocti Harbor, last evening, along the narrow and dark 281, I had a flat tire on the Bagger. It was late Saturday, where do I get my tire repaired when most shops are closed on Sunday and Monday. I started calling around with no answers, shit. Then I called Hawg Heaven in Upper Lake. Daune, the owner answered, he was closed and was going for a ride, but this 'Brother" cancelled his Sunday ride and instead drove 30 miles around the Lake to pick up my bike and take it to his shop. Lettie and I later two up'ed on her bike and headed to Upper Lake and Hawg Heaven. This is a small but very clean shop. Duane spent his Sunday am and early afternoon fixing my tire and adjusting my clutch. A 'True Brother' taking care of a brother in need.
Duanes Shop is located at 9440 Main St, Upper Lake off Hwy 20. (707) 275-9298. Duane is a Qualified Harley Technician and PHd MMI Graduate
Thelma and I met Duane just a few days after he opened his shop. We decided to give him a shot at the 1K on our new Ultra Classic. He turned out to be very personable, friendly, knowledgeable and reasonable. He has put on tires and done miscellaneous maintenance since then including our 10K. We are very happy with his service on our Ultra and recommand him to anyone who lives in the area or is passing through. He is one of the only people we know who will go out of their way to get the job done even on Sunday when he is closed. If you are looking for a new place to get your bike worked on, give him a shot, we think you will be as pleased as we are.
Jim and Thelma