Although having spent over 20 years in the trade, John Walters who owns Greenlane Motorcycles has only recently moved his shop lock stock and barrel to Exeter. Where for the last year it has had a superb roadside location in Alphinbrook Road on the Marsh Barton trading estate.

John Walters on left with new trainee Kurt.

Always a keen biker since 14 years old - first learning to ride on waste land at Heathfield near Newton Abbot (Comment: like many of us did until the council and some wildlife trust took it away from us!). So although Johns first motorcycle business was based in North Devon, it wasn't long before he returned home southwards and set up shop in Newton Abbot. Then finally relocating to its current position in Exeter during the summer of 2005, into a premises which allows him to fulfil all his customers motorcycling needs.

Learner legal supermotos, scoots and trailees always in stock.

John has always been a keen off-roader - trail riding since the age of seventeen and still rides whenever he gets a chance to. But sadly for him - and convenient for us, he currently opens his shop doors 7 days a week. So he can only grab a little bit of riding time here and there.

A good range of dirtbikes, road bikes, learner legals and scoots.

Greenlane support a wide range of the motorcycling public and as you walk into the shop there is always a large collection of all types of new and secondhand bikes for sale. These largely include a wide range of Crossers, Enduro and trail bikes, plus a good selection of all size road bikes and most recently a great range of learner 50cc bikes and scooters at amazingly low prices. John says he tries to cater for everyone and after looking around I believe him.

Master mechanic Dave - on right, with trainee Kurt. 

Currently five very enthusiastic bikers work at Greenlane, who not only sell bikes, spares and accessories. But also operate a thriving repair shop, where all bikes - from 'mini-motos' to 'gold wings' are rapidly fixed and sent on their way.

Greenlane Motorcycle sponsored riders - Kurt Hunt (15) & Ian Putt (11).

John states he is in the business for the long term and is determined to help local bikers every way that he can. To that end recently he has announced a sponsorship deal for two very talented off-road racers for 2007. His own workshop trainee Kurt Hunt, a young motocrosser who is also trying hare'n'hound enduro style events and Ian Putt, a south west Championship level enduro rider, who after a long layoff due to series of injuries is determined to make his comeback next year. Ian will also be accompanying Kurt in competition at certain local MX events.

Looking around the shop a wide range of goods and accessories appeared to be marked down at very low prices.

 John stated, "Buying good deals, means on many lines I can afford to knock off big percentages from the normal retail prices." and with his normal huge smile continued," I try and operate like a 'Tesco's of the dirt bike world! ".

The complete riding kit displayed 
inside the front door was only £50 
and with a £39 helmet anyone can afford to start racing.

 Helmets from Nitro, One Industries, Lazer and MDR were on display, many at snap your arm off prices. Greenlane also stock a good range of body armour and knee guards from Oneal, UFO and EVS including sizes for 'kiddies'.

Just a few of the helmets on display.

Protection for all body parts available here.

All types of riding kit for MX, Enduro and serious Trail riders are also available off the peg, with brands like No Fear, UFO, Oneal, Wulf Sport, Pro Grip and Premier, in prime position.

Trail and Enduro riders will also be pleased to see a selection of bike batteries, bum bags and mudguard bags in stock, along with spare lights lenses and various other legal necessities.

John also keeps handlebars, brush guards, chains, levers, mudguards, brakes and many other items from Acerbis, 909, EBC and various other manufacturers.

The Four-Stroke chaps will be pleased to see Hi-Flo filters and oils from Silkolene, Putolene and Castrol. Plus chain lube and coolant.

2 of the scoots on sale & for far less than a grand - awesome. 

A small selection of the most useful tyre sizes and types including MX & Trials knobblies, plus road tyres for Scoots and Road bikes are also at hand.

Greenlane try to offer a complete motorcycle service to fulfil all customers requirements and from what I saw they are doing a very good job of it. So if your passing Alphinbrook Road on Marsh Barton, call in and say hello.

Greenlane Motorcycles, 8 Alphinbrook Road, Marsh Barton Trading Est, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8RG.  Phone & Fax: 01392-252111

They also have a website - www.greenlane-motorcycles.co.uk