DAVE THOMAS

From an early age David had a keen interest in motorcycles, but it was the Honda showroom where he found himself getting up close, his nose pressed against the glass looking through the window at those gleaming imports.

He left school in his native Gosport with little in the way of qualifications. But was able to secure a position as an apprentice mechanic at Harry Gill Motors, a Honda dealer based locally.

He served his apprenticeship there and after a little over 3 years his work was rewarded by Honda UK, who back in those days had an apprenticeship of the year award. David not only won this once, but two years running.

Shortly afterwards he was offered a post at Honda UK in Chiswick and his career and reputation blossomed.

Fast forward many years and he is now retired and back in the Gosport area. But in the preceding 15 years prior to retirement he concentrated on the buying and selling of classics he'd sourced from all over the world. People would approach him with their requirements and he would make it his job to find one. Often he would offer storage and ensure the bike was ready to be ridden when the customer wished.

He tells us people buy classics bikes for several reasons,  "They may want something olde worlde that they remember, usually something they owned in their youth - so it's nostalgic. They just want to ride it occasionally. 

Or there are those that want to get their spanners out, they want to buy a wreck and resurrect it back to its former glory" . He warned that to do this was rarely a way to make money, as it can cost a fortune. "Great as a hobby but don't be under any illusion", he warned.

In retirement came an impressive collection of motorcycles that he wanted to keep. It was clear to us from the start of our visit that his links to Hondas is visceral, he’s collected bikes that he grew up with, those that meant something to him. His bikes had stories and David was able to tell their story. He held everyone’s attention whilst he brought all his machines to life.

This truly is the most eclectic mix of bikes you can imagine. From a CBR1000RR-R 30th anniversary Fireblade to a Honda Express Deluxe (2 speed). All his bikes are housed in a purpose built museum, spotlessly clean and maintained, everyone capable of being fired up.