The Refugee Cycles Story
Built by riders, for riders. TexiCALI attitude meets Texas grit.
Meet Louis G. Dutkus
Founder, President & CEO of Refugee Cycles, Inc.
Louis Dutkus isn't a corporate suit with an MBA. He's a hands-on motorcycle technician, seasoned shop owner, and builder with decades of real-world experience operating independent motorcycle service businesses across California and Texas.
He's not an absentee owner watching from an office. Louis is on the shop floor every day — wrenching, mentoring technicians, building custom bikes, and talking directly with riders who walk through the door. This isn't a job for him. It's a calling.
His reputation was built inside rider communities, not corporate boardrooms. He's earned trust through transparency, quality work, and an unshakeable commitment to doing right by riders — not squeezing them for profit.
Louis G. Dutkus at the Refugee Cycles shop, Manchaca, TX
"Refugee Cycles isn't about fixing bikes. It's about giving riders a place that feels like home. A place where your vision is respected, your bike gets the care it deserves, and the person running the shop actually knows your name. That's what I'm building here."
TexiCALI: California Creativity × Texas Grit
Refugee Cycles embodies a unique cultural philosophy born from Louis's journey between two worlds.
California Creativity
- Pushes the boundaries of design
- Embraces custom, bespoke, one-of-a-kind
- Values aesthetics as much as performance
- Celebrates the art of the build
Texas Grit
- No-nonsense, get-the-job-done attitude
- Transparency and straight talk
- Community over ego
- Durability and real-world performance
= Refugee Cycles
A shop where creativity meets accountability. Where your custom build won't just turn heads — it'll run flawlessly for years. Where the owner knows your name, respects your vision, and won't cut corners. That's TexiCALI.
The Journey
From California shop owner to Texas innovator.
Early Career: California Operations
Louis builds decades of hands-on experience operating independent motorcycle service businesses across California, mastering the full spectrum of shop management: operations, staffing, inventory control, customer retention, and margin discipline.
The Move: California → Texas
Seeking freedom, better community, and a chance to build something independent, Louis relocates to Central Texas with a clear vision: create the motorcycle shop that doesn't exist yet — transparent, community-driven, and absolutely uncompromising on quality.
2020: Founding Refugee Cycles
Refugee Cycles, Inc. is established in South Austin/Manchaca as a premium motorcycle service and customization center. From day one, the mission is clear: build a place where riders are respected, quality is non-negotiable, and the owner is hands-on.
Factory Certifications & Partnerships
Refugee Cycles achieves Harley-Davidson and Buell factory certifications, establishing credibility with major manufacturers while maintaining complete operational independence. Strategic partnerships expand service capabilities without compromising the rider-first philosophy.
Today: Community Hub & Industry Leader
Refugee Cycles has become the trusted destination for riders across Central Texas and beyond. The shop is known for transparency, custom builds that turn heads, dyno tuning that delivers real gains, and a culture that celebrates craftsmanship and community.
Leadership Team
A crew with real skills, real experience, and deep commitment to the mission.
Louis G. Dutkus
Decades of hands-on mechanical expertise. Former shop owner. Factory-certified technician. On-site, every day. Louis makes the big decisions and turns wrenches alongside the team.
- Harley-Davidson Certified
- Buell Certified
- Proven Prior Ownership
- On-Site Leadership Model
Mhystie Anderson
Operational excellence and customer experience. Mhystie ensures every rider who walks through the door feels valued and every job meets our quality standards.
Eleonore Dutkus
Financial stewardship and organizational discipline. Eleonore ensures the business is run with the same precision and integrity we apply to every build.
Vernon Cargill
PMI-certified project management expertise. Vernon coordinates complex custom builds, ensures timelines are realistic, and keeps projects running smoothly from conception to completion.
- PMI Certified
- Custom Build Coordination
What We Stand For
Five principles that guide every decision, every build, every customer interaction.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Whether you need a routine maintenance check, a full custom build, or dyno tuning to unlock your bike's true potential, Refugee Cycles is ready to earn your trust.