Bristol’s Fowlers Motorcycles marks 100 years in the bike business
One of the UK’s biggest motorcycle dealers and parts suppliers is celebrating 100 years in business, with the Fowler family still running the show.
Founded in Bristol in 1926, Fowlers Motorcycles is celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century in business for what has become one of the UK’s biggest motorcycle dealers and parts suppliers.
What started as a small cycle shop in the St Paul’s area of Bristol by Alice and Frank Fowler quickly evolved after their son Harold, better known as Harry, joined the company and introduced motorcycles to the business. From there, Fowlers steadily grew into a major name in British motorcycling, with the same family still running the company to this day.
Harry Fowler wasn’t just a businessman either, as during the 1940s and 1950s he was a well-known scrambler and trials rider, while also expanding the dealership with brands including Norton, Triumph, BSA, Ariel and Matchless. By the end of the 1960s, Fowlers had secured franchises for the big Japanese manufacturers too, adding Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki to the showroom floor.
The company moved into its current purpose-built site near Bristol Temple Meads in 1982, where it still operates from today. The huge dealership now represents more than a dozen manufacturers, alongside large clothing, accessories and servicing departments.
Away from bike sales, Fowlers also became a major force in motorcycle parts distribution. The business was granted the BSA spare parts distributorship in the 1950s before expanding further during the 1970s, eventually becoming one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of genuine motorcycle parts and aftermarket accessories. Its in-house clothing brands now include Weise and Duchinni Youth, while Gear Gremlin and S100 also form part of its distribution business.
Harry Fowler continued working right up until shortly before his death in 2006 at the age of 94. Today, the company remains under family leadership, with daughter Stephanie Fowler serving as Managing Director alongside several grandchildren involved in the business.
Speaking about the centenary, Stephanie Fowler said:
“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!”
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
