Ian Tay

1953-2026

High-profile Honda dealer Ian Tay lost his life snorkelling in the Caribbean. His body was found in the water off Moliniere St George, Grenada, on 30 May. He was 72.

Co-founder of Mocheck in Clapham, London, with fellow public school-educated Tony Ackner, Tay blazed a trail on two wheels rather than take the university-city career path.

Aged 18, he joined George Clarke Motors in Brixton Hill, London SW1. There he worked with mechanic John Ryan, who would play a key role in Mocheck’s early years.

Intelligent and with a flair for business, Tay could see that the times were changing rapidly as the Japanese marques started to gain the lion’s share of bike business in the UK.

Brimming with public school confidence, optimism, and a swashbuckling can-do attitude, he and Ackner opened Mocheck’s doors in July 1974, converting a former coaching house in Kings Avenue, Clapham, London, into a workshop with some of the latest equipment, including Souriau diagnostics. Start-up finance was provided by Ackner’s mother.

They printed leaflets offering servicing on all leading makes – Japanese, British and Italian. They placed these under the seat straps of bikes parked in key areas of London. John Ryan was recruited as chief mechanic.

A fire in 1975 rendered the workshop unusable. Fortunately, Ackner, who had started in insurance, had taken care of that aspect of business, and they were able to move into vacant premises on Clapham High Street. Honda noticed the young newcomers and took them on board.

By this time, Japanese bike sales were soaring, and Honda was the leader of the pack. Hondas sold almost as soon as they were delivered, and with 60 days to pay, cash flow was no problem.

Mocheck rapidly rose to fame, profile heightened by a 1977 and 1978 race programme with Honda UK and a string of top riders on Mocheck Hondas, including world champion Phil Read, Tom Herron, Tony Rutter, Chas Mortimer, Stan Woods and Roger Marshall.

In 1978, Mocheck moved into much bigger premises on Clapham High Street and would go on to expand into six premises in London. Further Mocheck fame came from a Honda 400-4 special – the Mocheck Harrier. Though only half a dozen were created (1977-78) using a Yoshimura 460cc tuning kit, cast alloy wheels, and a Seeley flyscreen, the white-liveried Harriers gained significant publicity and helped sell accessories.

Capitalising on the growing trend for colourful riding wear, Mocheck opened a massive clothing department and arguably became the first bike superstore. Their best retail year overall was in 1979, when they sold 1500 bikes. Honda began offering Mocheck bulk deals following their success.

Charmer Tay was forging ahead while partner Ackner was beginning to worry about the rate of expansion. In 1984, he opted out, persuading Tay to buy his 50% investment.

“Ian was the one who forced it all along,” said Ackner. “He went for the big deal without doing too much research. He was unconventional and always optimistic. I was more pessimistic.” The partners remained firm friends.

Tay continued to expand. Solus Honda until 1986; then took on Kawasaki, and by 1990 also had Yamaha, Ducati, Triumph and Norton.

The rising costs of mortgages and borrowing brought Mocheck down in 1991. Tay then set up Tay Trading, sending bikes abroad and importing Leyland Minis from Japan. During the Mocheck years, he had been approached by European dealers who discovered they could buy new bikes cheaper from the UK than via direct import channels. Tay’s network of contacts facilitated this new enterprise. In 2010, he went into the distribution of champagne and wine.

Mocheck had 30 employees at its height. Those canvassed for this tribute all speak highly of a caring, motivational boss who never lost his temper and created a busy buzz of excitement. Divorced, Ian Tay leaves two sons and a daughter.