1936-2026
Best known as a Yamaha dealer in London Road, Derby, and an ace trials rider, Barrie Rodgers died in May aged 90.
Born in Mickleover, Derbyshire, Rodgers took up off-road competition as a 17-year-old in 1953. Following his national service, he was invited to join Wilf Green Motorcycles in Sheffield in 1959. Rodgers and Green were fellow grass track racers.
The business relationship spanned only seven months, but it gave Rodgers an insight into the trade and stimulated a desire to run his own motorcycle shop. He took the plunge in 1963 with business partner Trevor Smith. Both were keen on sport, and the business acquired agencies for off-road marques including Greeves, Dot, Montesa, Bultaco and Ossa.
They were one of the first to become involved with Yamaha, initially as a sub-agent for Derby Scooters in 1964. Rodgers and Smith worked with other dealers, taking some used BSAs and Triumphs from the Derby agent. Fenchurch and Patey lent the newcomers two bikes to help get them started. The tyro traders took six pence (2.5p) on their first day but were destined to get the cash register ringing because of their keen attitude and from competing on Sundays. Fantic, Saracen and Silk were other marques that would be added to the showroom.
A key development was the renewal of links with Wilf Green, who had secured the importership for East German MZ and Simson two-strokes in 1969. Rodgers was appointed an MZ dealer and spares stockist in 1971. By this time, partner Smith had moved on.
Rodgers’ staff included his wife, Pat. They had married in 1962.
In 1976, Rodgers had the showroom completely updated. Peter Collins, who had won the speedway world championship the week before, officially opened the new premises. That year, Rodgers was also appointed a spares distributor for MZ. He was one of six, but would go on to become the lead MZ spares supplier to the trade and the public. Having a post office nearby was a key factor. The shop could take telephone orders during the day and get the parts in the 5.15pm post. Owners were delighted to find their spares delivered the next day.
The new-look showroom was a success, with the business selling 149 new bikes the following year, its best new-bike sales score.
In 1996, aged 60, Rodgers relinquished his Yamaha agency and sold his last MZ, then concentrating on spares until his retirement in 2004. Five times East Midland trials champion with a trophy cabinet of more than 1500 awards, Rodgers continued riding trials into his mid-80s.