James Sherlock

[Crapaud]

Spent a very useful and productive time today at James Sherlocks in South Molton, Devon. I drove Proff up there as he wanted to buy a new battery for his R90S. I also needed a few minor bits for the R80/7.

Brilliant service. They are absolute enthusiasts both James and Peter and know everything there is to know about all BMWs from ancient airheads to the latest models. Peter has a beautiful HP2 Enduro complete with HPN big tank and carbon top. Perhaps I should have taken my camera in to capture it in all its glory. He also has a rather nice 1980 R80g/s that had Proff all moist.

They very kindly allowed us to have a good look around their store room which is normally strictly off-limits. This was "kids in the sweet shop" time. I noticed a mint condition police spec tank for the R80/7 complete with the "sandwich" box in the top. It was in metallic black with gold pin striping and was an instant impulse buy. Next up was a nice set of rear shockers and then a whole new front end to match. Before I knew it, we had built up a whole boot full of bits all at very keen prices.

A real pleasure to deal with such great guys.

 

[Navy Boy]

It's nice to see a simple, positive story/post such as this. Particularly with all the doom and gloom around at the moment!

It's places like this (And Motorworks too in my experience) that make keeping hold of your Bee Emm and keeping it going (Or even bettering it) so worthwhile.

Good on them and thanks for a ray of sunshine Sid!

 

[(RIP) Proff]

I second everything Sid states.
It has taken 20 years of wheeling and dealing with James and Peter to get as close as this.
I've had the cutting edge of the acid wit, I've also had parts got to me in emergencies with only a modicum of piss taking from the "Pair" of them.

It was amazing to see Sid's face as treasure "my Precociousness's" emerged.
I bet this new tank won't get painted pink, like he was threatening to do with the original.

I reckon if Peter had put a price on his HP2, it would be at Sids NOW


Remember don't just turn up, you MUST always phone ahead as sometimes it's not convenient to be as open as they were to us yesterday...
OR take me on my Hobbling sticks with you...

 

[MikeP]

It's a shame that they cannot operate as they once used to.

Quite often a couple of us would ride up to South Moulton (always a good idea to be mob-handed when visiting the North Devon Savage-land) to get a part, normally a second-hand bit for my impecunious mate. We be allowed to just browse the shelves and boxes of parts. Invariably we'd come away with much more than we set out for because once in the Aladdin's Cave, we always spotted something that was better or that was just too good not to buy as well.

I know that some people must have taken advantage and pocketed the odd item but they must have made more on impulse purchases than they lost to light-fingered customers?

 

[Steptoe]

I'd recommend them

 

[judge]

I'd recommend them

Bet they wouldn't let you walk around with that overcoat you wear in and asda

 

[Trippy]

It has taken 20 years with James and Peter to get as close as this.

You sound like David Attenborough talking about a couple of Pandas

 

[(RIP) Proff]

You sound like David Attenborough talking about a couple of Pandas

They are cute and cuddly tho'

Not likr you, ya git

 

[Kenny]

Hmmm..must have a butchers myself

Proff, any chance you saw a fork brace or small windshield for that g/s shed they sold me

 

[Crapaud]

The kids have been in the sweetshop again today. I didn't even need anything as all three BMWs are fine but just decided to meet Proff there on my way to Exeter.

I needed to get the drive shaft out of the swinging arm of the R80/7 to get it powder coated and Proff had insisted this was a 30 second job of "just removing a circlip". Luckily Pete wasn't too busy and kindly agreed to help. I felt very guilty when it took him a fair amount of time (and help from Proff) to finally prise the circlip out.

After Proff had purchased the bits he needed for his new R65G/S, we decided on a quick look around before we left. 3 hours and one car load later and I just managed to get out before it got dark. We are getting further into the "inner sanctum" and got to investigate the outside storeroom and then a further section about which I am sworn to complete secrecy. I thought an RT fairing would look good on my police spec R80/7 so we set about removing one from an old bike thinking it would be a quick job. I felt even more guilty when Pete almost severed his finger trying to remove the fairing lowers due to the rusted screws and nuts. I managed to locate a perfect upper RT fairing in matching metalic black to which I've matched silver lowers.

To finish the bike to perfect condition, I purchased a brand new /7 seat complete with the chrome rails around the back.

Back on the GS theme: they have a set of R100 PD bodywork in red complete with the crash bars that go up and around the headlight, thought this may be of interest to someone.

Also on the GS theme, they had a pair of very smashed up GS12s that they were breaking for spares. The first was an 08 bike that the rider had insured third party only so had suffered a huge loss. Who insures a new 08 bike third party only?
The second GS12 was the worst write off I've seen. The entire cylinder head was smashed up on the right hand side and the bike had basically snapped in two down the middle. It was hard to see what bits could be salvaged for spares apart from the petrol cap as everything else was totalled.

A great day out again.

 

[(RIP) Proff]

The GS1200 with the head damage had also broken the engine in half where the tele lever mounts, it was an absolute mess

 

[motoscot]

I recommend them very helpful brilliant service


Steve Motoscot onyackonyack

 

[Crapaud]

Another interesting twist to the tale.

Called up yesterday on my R1100GS to get a few more bits for the R80/7. Great ridng roads from here to South Molton where they are located.

Bought the swing arm bearings and a few minor bits. Proff had been a few hours before me to get new battery for another of his airheads.

Pete told me the total bill and I paid without question although even he thought the prices were high. I was just happy to get the bits to keep the airhead restoration on schedule.

Imagine my surprise when I go a package in the post today less than 24 hours after I visited them. A letter of apology complete with a crisp £5 note explaining that he had made a mistake on the price.

Fantastic! Not only knowledgeable and enthusiastic but 100% honest as well.
For any BM spares, they guys are the best.

 

[Steptoe]

Imagine my surprise when I go a package in the post today less than 24 hours after I visited them. A letter of apology complete with a crisp £5 note explaining that he had made a mistake on the price.

)

Sounds more like money laundering west country styleeee.