Motorcycle Dealers - Gone But Not Forgotten

M40 Hughenden - Thame, Oxfordshire

Stopped being a Triumph dealer last year and I was recently informed they are shutting shop this May (in the next few weeks)

 

Watson Cairns on lower Briggate in Leeds

 

C and D Autos Birmingham (BSA stuff by the ton and was great for free advice when we were young) tho think they may be still going out in the sticks
Percy Tait, Arthur Jakeman , ex Triumph guy serviced my bike for me once
Kings of Birmingham, Superbike Centre
Greys, Small Heath, got my first bike from them BSA Starfire, they tried talking me into a Kwakker but I was having none of it, lol, little did I know.
Birmingham Motorcycles, got my 78 Bonnie from there

As mentioned,
Hailwood and Gould, got my CB750 from there
Vale Onslow surely Stratford Road Birmingham or did they have another shop? They are still going I believe but in Bordesley Green now, their shop went about 18 months ago now

 

Charlie Freeman's at Eckington. Best bike shop ever. RIP Charlie.

 

I remember when the road outside was two way. Parts was right at the back after you'd passed the 3 wheelers.

 

Sid Morams in Slough, used to be (Windsor Comp Shop previously)
Disappeared in 2011

 

Ewbanks, Pontefract. Often walked past going into town on the way home from school. I remember seeing a Velocette Venom Thruxton in silver complete with a blue seat and a full fairing displayed in their window for a week or two. Many a student could be witnessed drooling at it just after 4pm on a schoolday. It was a beauty. Pure class. The green Norton Commando Fastback that followed it some time later was also very nice, but didn't have the same presence.
Bought my Suzuki 550GT from there in 1972. My trade-in? A 1969 Bonneville, since you ask - last seen outside their shop on the back of a trailer, completely wrecked.

 

Devimead in Tamworth which became Carnell and Motorcycle City. Birmingham Motorcycles to drool over Ducati’s in the early 90’s and Jackson’s in Burton Upon Trent. These were dealers that sold many brands, always good for a browse rather than these new, boring, solo franchise dealers...

 

Websters, in Crewe. (side car racing team.. Remember them?)

Got taken over by wylie and Holland. I used them once. Once only. And never again. I won't sully this thread with insults, but fleas, 1000 camels and testicles spring to mind.

 

I went looking for my old dealer.. I used to use 'Single Tracker' on flag Lane in Crewe. I see they are still going, and main suzuki dealer in Cheshire. Well done Phil!

 

and the LEGENDARY WINDY CORNER from barwell leicestershire run by roger winterburn
WON DEALER OF THE YEAR MANY MANY TIMES

 

....THATS TAKES ME BACK DEVIMEAD , JUST USED TO GO AN STARE IN THE WINDOW

 

Devimead in Tamworth WOW THATS TAKEN ME BACK , used to go by just to stop and stare in the window

 

Yep, I remember Webster’s in Crewe from the mid 1960’s.

 

Dugdales at Alvanley, Cheshire.

Bought a couple of bikes off them in 1966.

 

Jack Frodsham and also Bill Pope at Warrington.

Properties now demolished.

 

I went in there, late 80's, after having a puncture. Asked for a puncture 'repair' kit and Webster the younger was well miffed. He said that most folk ask for a 'puncture' kit, and he would offer them a kitchen knife... Bad ol me, spoiled his joke!

 

The last time I went past the shop it was a Tile shop.