classic motorcycle forum

I started going into Burnetts in the mid 1970s, 16 years old and motorbike mad. I always felt that if they liked you things were okay, if not, our phrase was "bring a tent". I remember one of the old guys showing me a brochure for a Brough Superior one day and talking about his dad making a motorcycle in the 20's called the Brunette. It's a long time ago but I had the opinion that it was a proper commercial venture rather than a play about. I still remember the tins of Triumph paint around the shelves and the mechanic with a beard who hardly ever spoke. I remember seeing an R reg, so 1976/7 registered, Ariel Colt that they had taken out of the crate and put on the road. We will never see the like of these shops again which is a pity. Bike shops are in the main so slick nowadays with suited salespeople and designer accessories and the personalitry of porridge. Sure, Burnetts were a law unto themselves but it was an experience!!!! You could always have gone to Motorcycle City if you were in a hurry!