A ragged but well-loved /6 with 'S' bars and a large tank clatters into the parking lot. The young rider throws down the sidestand, climbs off and stands aside, unbuckling his shorty helmet as he glances round at the other bikes parked off Lake City Way NE. His bike isn't flash in its near-40 year old state, so it doesn't get a second look from most people. To hear its noisy valve train and loping idle it needs some measure of TLC, but runs strong and keeps on ticking like the proverbial Timex and is appreciated by its rider and other Airhead aficionados. In his mind perhaps he's coming to 'The Dealer' for parts he's almost sure we'll not have, yet he's here to keep his beloved old mount soldiering on. He enters the showroom.

The bright new BMW machinery on the showroom floor sparkles with a certain Teutonic allure. He can appreciate the obvious and the hidden technology, the effective ABS brakes, the world class suspension, the angles and folds of the bodywork, the comfortable ergos and the family resemblance to his of the newest machines from Bavaria. A salesman asks in a friendly way if he needs any help or has any questions? "No thanks, just looking," is his response. He throws a leg over anyway, checking the fit. Feels nice, lighter than it looks, "Perhaps someday," he muses as he looks back while walking towards the parts counter. His true love is outside cooling down.

Any disappointment he might have had fades away as he realises the parts department has the correct length clutch cable, headlight relay and bulbs in stock! The prices are reasonable, the parts counter folk helpful, engaging and interested in his classic machine. He queries about a few other parts which have to come from the warehouse. Yeah, if you need them tomorrow morning we can do that for a nominal fee. OK, no rush, next week it is!

With the occasional exception, BMW parts are readily available going back to the /5 models, and some still for the pre-'70 /2. If you need to tune-up your '87 K100RS, replace the clutch on your R75/7, swap out the alternator belt on your '99 R1100GS, grab a topbox for your '09 G650GS, or replace a well-worn helmet, we have the parts on hand. If we don't have it in stock, both OEM and after-market, we'll make every effort to get them for you!

It's a competitive business environment we're all working in, the interweb and after-market are making inroads against traditional "brick and mortar" shops. We sincerely hope that we offer you more than they do, something that you can't get for the few dollars you might save making a purchase from the "other guys". With us it's not an anonymous shopping experience; you know us and we know you and we know your bike, and we strive each day to fulfill your motorcycling needs. We share your enthusiasm and we thank you for your faith in us and for your business.

As for our /6 Airhead customer, and the like, they've found a great local source to keep their beloved old (and new) bikes running strong.