Born to Be Wild with the over fifties

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Born to Be Wild

Returning to motorbiking or taking it up in your vintage years is becoming increasingly popular with the over fifties

PMJ Motorcycles was established over 23 years ago in Reading when Paul Jenner, the owner of the business, started selling, buying and servicing motorcycles. He dealt with all makes but specialised in classic British bikes and Harleys.

In 2002, Paul moved to Dorset with his wife and brought with him his existing business, which, as well as focusing on Harley Davidson motorcycles, offers a good selection of quality, pre-owned motorcycles from scooters up to cruisers and customs. “If we don’t have what you want, we can find it or build it for you,” says Paul, who has continued his passion for restoring classic motorcycles.

His latest projects include a 1957 Douglas Dragonfly and a 1977 Silver Jubilee Triumph Bonneville and he is shortly due to start work on a 1974 Norton Commando Roadster. Paul has also built many custom Harleys both for himself and for customers and worked on all types of Harleys including two classic Harley 45s, which were used in the films Evita and Memphis Belle.

Since childhood, Paul has always had a passion for Harley Davidsons and has owned and ridden them since the early ’80s. His first Harley was a red 1975 Shovelhead.

“I wish I’d kept that bike now,” says Paul. “There is just something about Harleys that has kept me fascinated all this time! There is nothing that comes close to the sound of a Harley V Twin!”

From his workshop in Puncknowle, near Dorchester, Paul offers a full service ranging from supplying parts to building a custom motorcycle to a client’s precise specification. He will also be happy to spruce up a Harley that perhaps needs some tender loving care. Once you’ve sorted out your wheels then the open road beckons.

“Dorset is a great place to ride with some great roads and some fantastic views. You’ll also find some really good places to meet up for a brew and a chat,” says Paul, adding that his favourite places include West Bay or the venue for the Clay Pigeon Bike Night on the A37 between Dorchester and Yeovil and Weymouth.

According to Paul, there are also lots of shows and meets going on throughout the summer – “much better than shopping with the missus!” he jokes.

And, giving away a tip from one in the know, Paul says if you do get yourself on a Harley, you might want to check out the Harley Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain, a great bunch who put on some good little rallies.

For more details visit www.harley-davidson-riders.org.uk.

Contact Paul on 01308 897119 / www.pmjmotorcycles.co.uk.

Getting on your bike (again)

Getting on the road for the first time, or even getting back into biking, may seem daunting, but specialist companies now offer training and often provide all-in-one packages that include a loan bike, training and your test. Here are just a few of the many that offer this around the county.

Let’s Ride offers training in the Poole, Bournemouth and Dorchester areas (01202 922041 or lets-ride.co.uk).

Maverick Motorcycle Training at Blandford Forum offers motorcycle training at the Old Airfield, Blandford Camp and can arrange motorcycle tours and bike hire (01258 821036).

The Academy of Safe Motorcycling in Mallard Road, Bournemouth offers refresher ‘Back to Biking’ courses and has bikes and equipment for hire (academysafebiketraining.com or 08453 900125).

Dorset and Wessex Motorcycle Training in Wimborne Road, Kinson, Bournemouth specialises in ladies’ motorbike training and both group and one-to-one lessons (dwmt.com or 01202 573869).

Ride on Motorcycle Training in Barrack Road, Bridport offers Back to Bikes courses, with bikes, helmets and gloves supplied free of charge (01425 465393 or rideonbikes.co.uk).

You can find a full list of motorcycle training establishments across Dorset by visiting begin-motorcycling.co.uk/

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Members Comments

Comment by: lmiles 20 October 2011 - 15:50

The strap line for this article, which is what made me want to read it, was "Returning to motorbiking or taking it up in your vintage years is becoming increasingly popular with the over fifties"... yet the article had absolutely nothing to do with this. How disappointing that the article basically was an advert, and said nothing about the trend to take up or return to biking in later life. Not up to the usual standard of Dorset Life articles.

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