Fowlers Motorcycles Celebrates Centenary

When Alice and Frank Fowler opened a cycle shop in the St Paul’s district of Bristol in the 1920s, how could they have imagined that 100 years later it would grow into one of the biggest motorcycle dealers in the country? 

Their son, Harold, joined the business in 1926 and introduced motorcycles shortly after, starting a family dynasty which continues to this day. Harry, as he was known to his peers, was a prominent scrambler and trials rider in the late 1940s and 1950s, with many trophies to his name. He also set about expanding Fowlers, at various times adding Ariel, Matchless, James, Francis Barnett, Norton, Triumph, and BSA, as well as Italjet and Watsonian sidecars. During the 1960s, new premises were secured to accommodate the growing business, and, always with an eye to the future, Harry was awarded franchises from Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki by the end of the Swinging Sixties.  

In 1982 the entire operation moved to purpose-built showrooms, close to Temple Meads station in the centre of Bristol, where they have been a local landmark ever since. Inside the fully air-conditioned store is a huge choice of motorcycles and scooters from over a dozen different manufacturers, together with state-of-the-art servicing facilities. Many leading brands of helmets, clothing and accessories are displayed on the ground floor, while Harry’s Café is situated on one of the top floor mezzanines, overlooking the bikes on display.

In addition to its massive retail operation, in the mid-50s, Fowlers was granted the distributorship of BSA spare parts and expanded rapidly in the 1970s to become the UK’s largest supplier of many top-brand genuine motorcycle parts. Later that decade, after-market accessories were added to the distribution lineup, and a new clothing brand, Weise, was introduced in 1982. Now, Fowlers’ one-stop-shop concept distributes market-leading brands, including clothing from Weise and Duchinni Youth, Gear Gremlin accessories, S100 cleaning products, and many more besides.

Harry Fowler continued to travel to work daily right up to 2 weeks before his death in August 2006, aged 94. The dynasty is maintained with his daughter, Stephanie, who is Managing Director, and several of his grandchildren have diverse roles in the company too. 

“It’s a family business and very much the better for it”, Harry used to say.

Stephanie Fowler adds: “Although Fowlers is one of the longest established businesses in motorcycling, it is far from rooted in the past. We recognise the need to keep abreast of the times and take advantage of the latest technologies and trends, including being more eco-friendly. As a family business, we set great store in a warm welcome and treating customers with integrity. When your name is over the door, reputation really matters!”

Find out more at www.fowlers.co.uk