NEWS FEED

By
RideFast Motorcycle Magazine
|
July 1, 2024

Our 55 year story...

https://ridefast.co.za/55-years-of-primrose-motorcycles/

Read all about it!

Primrose Motorcycles

55 years of Primrose Motorcycles

Primrose Motorcycles

In 1969, Primrose Motorcycles opened their doors “Up the hill”, in Primrose, Germiston. This is a proper milestone.  “Chicco” Gasparini was a motorcycle mechanic in Italy and he also used to race in the Alps. After WW2, he made his way to SA and got a job at a motorcycle dealership in JHB.  He found and married a girl and with his brother in law Tony Liberatore, opened Primrose motorcycles.

The founders of the store way back when magazines were still black and white.

This passion quickly became a lifestyle for their children, who are avid motorcyclists today and who continue the legend of the family business.

Marco shouts across to Luigi to check that he got it all right… And much debate erupts, waving of hands and the kind of Italian flair that makes a dealership like this unique.

Primrose Motorcycles
The kids grew up in the shop. 1969 Marco, Luigi, Claudio and Dana at bottom.

This is a historic store that has dealt with so many brands over the years.

In 1973 they signed up with Charlie Young and sold Yamaha for almost 30 years.

Primrose Motorcycles
Tony in middle with the founder of Yamaha S.A on right Charlie Young. Bruce Johnson on left.

BMW, Ducati and  Honda were all looked after at some point. In 1982, they signed with Suzuki. In ‘97, they took on Kawasaki.

Primrose Motorcycles
L: The last Kawasaki H2R sold in S.A in 2019. R900k. R: Chicco with Sinny Tiprou Suzuki S.A mid 1990's.

R: Chicco with Sinny Tiprou Suzuki S.A mid 1990's.

Primrose Motorcycles

In between all of this, they imported many Italian brands, like Husqvarna and MV Augusta.

Primrose Motorcycles
MV Agusta launch 1999 at Stywelyne. Harties.
Primrose Motorcycles
Husqvarna race team 2008. They ran the Husky race team from 2000 until 2011.

When those brands were swallowed up by corporates, they focussed on Kawasaki, Kayo, Sym and Suzuki.

They have a fleet of rental bikes – so if you come to SA to visit and need a bike, they will get you sorted.

They even have a little bike that you can use to do your motorcycle licence.

Very handy!

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Parts, accessories and a reputable workshop (We know that they look after some very rare and valuable classic bikes for collectors).

“The Liberatore and Gasparini families, together with their team of staff members, would like to thank all our loyal customers for the past

55 years and aim to continue our relationships and service to the motorcycling community, nationwide.”  

The shop really is a great piece of South African motorcycle history.

Here's to the next 55 years of motorcycle love.

Primrose Motorcycles
When the shop first opened way back when...
Early 1980's 50cc breakfast run on a Sunday. 143 bikes... Imagine!

ENJOY THE RIDE * LIVE THE DREAM!

And pop in for a coffee and have a look at some of the historic bikes on the floor.

Media peeps, Simon Fourie, Natalie Streak, Donovan Fourie...
Media peeps, Simon Fourie, Natalie Streak, Donovan Fourie...
Kevin Hellyer
Kevin Hellyer
WhatsApp Image 2024-06-21 at 11.07.43_3350e72a
Primrose Yamaha
Primrose Yamaha
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Tony, Luigi and Pier Francesco Chilli late 1990's
Tony, Luigi and Pier Francesco Chilli late 1990's
Simon Fourie, Marcello, Kenny Roberts Jnr and Marco late 1990's.
Simon Fourie, Marcello, Kenny Roberts Jnr and Marco late 1990's.
Marco and Aaron Slight
Marco and Aaron Slight
Marcello with Phil Read
Marcello with Phil Read
MV Agusta F4 Senna edition mid 2000's
MV Agusta F4 Senna edition mid 2000's
EICMA show Milan early 2000's with Giacomo Agostini
EICMA show Milan early 2000's with Giacomo Agostini
Primrose Motorcycles
MV Agusta F41000R Tamburini limited edition only 2 imported to S.A
Racing team early 70's with Kevin Hellyer, S.A champ on Kreidler's and Yamaha race bikes.
Racing team early 70's with Kevin Hellyer, S.A champ on Kreidler's and Yamaha race bikes.
Primrose Motorcycles
Powersport 250cc racing 1997. Marcello on Suzuki RGV250 white and Marco on the Aprilia RS250. Ricky Morais is on the #5 bike.
Husqvarna Launch in Italy with Taddy and Glenn Foley
Husqvarna Launch in Italy with Taddy and Glenn Foley

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