Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Motorcycle shop to open in Prescott

Custom motorcycles, a large parts and accessories department and a machine shop to take care of all types of motorcycle repairs will soon be opening in Prescott. Thats the plan of Mike Poole, owner of Poole Cycle Parts.

Poole told members of the Prescott City Council Oct. 15 that he expects to be open for business within a year. Poole purchased the former Fun-Shine building that was originally the National Guard Armory.

We appreciate the opportunity to move to the area, Poole said.

Poole said he expects to employ three to four people at the beginning but said the eventual size of the operation will depend on the amount of business drawn in.

Poole was asked if the price of gasoline has prompted more people to take up motorcycles. He said that a Harley Davidson may get about 40 miles per gallon of gas and pointed out that many cars today get near that same mileage.

But its a good excuse to buy a motorcycle, he said.

With an ever-increasing number of motorcycles on the road, the demand for parts, accessories and repairs is also on the rise, according to Poole. And Prescott may be an ideal location to cash in on some of those motorcyclists requirements.

Every time I come, I see that money riding right on by this town, Poole said. In the motorcycle world, this area is really big for riding.

Pooles company specializes in Harley-Davidson and Triumph motorcycles but there are some additional facets to his business. He said that over the years he has produced high-performance parts, raced and even helped organize some events. The proximity to Interstate 30 is one reason he felt Prescott would make a good location for his business.

His hope is to bring some of those motorcyclists off the highway. He said the helpful, friendly people played a big role in his decision to open the business in Prescott. In addition to the help he received from the city and the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, he said hed looked for a place that would welcome bikers.

Poole said he is currently working on the building and that signs are ordered.

Hopefully, youll see some activity before too long, he said.

The machine shop is to be aimed at more than motorcycles. While bike parts will be manufactured and repaired, Poole said he expects to work with local farmers who need repairs. He said hes been told theres a need for that service. His current machinist plans to move to Prescott and will head up that department.

We should be able to handle anything that breaks, he said.

Poole and his wife, Sharon, will be moving into the area, though probably closer to Gurdon where Poole has family roots. While he doesnt yet have a definite date for opening, he said he hopes it will be within a year. He said the plans are to continue operation of the Dallas facility for the moment, but will eventually close it.

Our plan is to go to this are exclusively, he said.

Poole personally and his business have been active in organizing and sponsoring motorcycle events. Mikes wife, Sharon, handles the marketing side of the business.

According to information from the company, Poole Cycle Parts began in business in 1973 in the Dallas area dealing in Harley Davidson, Triumph and BSA.