Bikers take new direction
From its small beginnings 30 years ago in the Sterland-complex, Biking Accessories has now also acquired the local dealership for Austrian built KTM bikes and is operating as KTM Pretoria from a shop in Hatfield. Years ago Brett van Bergen found that he was spending most of his salary on his bikes.
That, together with the fact that service and the availability of accessories to the biking community in Pretoria was lacking, urged him to start his own business.
Back then there were very few accessories available to off road riders and Brett took the gap in the market for importing protective gear for off road riders. These days Biking Accessories stock just about everything that is available to the biking community. “Now you get real fancy body armor made from materials like carbon kevlar,” says Brett.
Through the years Biking Accessories has grown by adding a tyres and brakes fitment shop and stocking all kinds of second hand bikes as well as Kymco scooters. “Kymco is a Taiwanese company and the biggest manufacturer of quality scooters in the world. They actually even build a 450cc engine for BMW,” says Brett's partner, Chris van der Merwe. Chris shares his passion for riding with Brett and is a proud winner of the Roof of Africa in the novice division. In support of their newly aquired KTM dealership he rides a KTM 250cc.
“We sell the entire range of KTM's, from the 50cc mini cycle to the 990cc Adventure bike and even KTM's only superbike, the 1190,” he says. With the acquisition of the dealership, KTM Pretoria is taking Biking Accessories into a new direction and the fitment shop is now becoming a fully functional workshop.
Brett is not threatened by the upward trend in biking that saw an increase in retailers all over Pretoria since the mid 90's. “Competition is good. It gives you an opportunity to compete if you can offer better products at better prices and keeps you on your toes.”
Biking Accessory clients also have the benefit of Brett and Chris' riding experience. Novices will be taken into the bush and on to the off road tracks to gain experience.
“We've all raced professionally for years, which is why I walk so funny,” Brett jokes.
Biking Accessories and KTM Pretoria are situated at 1212 Pretorius Street, Hatfield. Tel: 012 342 6422/5, Fax 012 342 6426, or www.bikingaccessories.co.za.
© Bizwise June 2009
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