PARKROAD Powerbikes has come a long way but only a short distance since 1969 when it was a modest motorcycle shop around the corner from its present location.

The old photograph shows the shop as it was then, complete with a Triumph Tiger Cub outside that provided everyday transport to a lot of working men.

Yamaha Motorcycles was then a youthful 19 years old and the roads of Britain were dominated by home-produced bikes but, as we all know, sweeping changes were on the way.

Colin Longfellow took over the business in 1974 with big plans for the shop, first to move to the much bigger premises it has occupied ever since where there is plenty of space and a workshop.

The doors of the showroom opened on February 1 1975 and inside was the line-up of the first franchises the new Parkroad operated - Suzuki, Triumph and Norton.

Parkroad were proud to become the Hampshire Norton Centre in recognition of their knowledge and success with the make.

The next addition to the showroom was BMW Motorcycles and for the next 20 years Parkroad became the main Hampshire dealer for the marque and for the last decade with BMW they were a top ten member, still a source of pride.

In 1985 Parkroad made a move that would have major significance on their future by giving up Suzuki and taking on Yamaha. The relationship with Yamaha and loyalty of its customers was apparent from the start.

Kawasaki motorcycles were added to the line-up for ten years from 1990, but Colin knew the direction he wanted the business to move, so the new millennium saw Parkroad Powerbikes as a sole Yamaha dealer with the proud claim of being a Yamaha Premier Dealership.

Another major factor is that everyone at the showroom is a motorcyclist.

Colin rides an FJR 1300 for long distance trips and pure pleasure. Like so many bike dealers he started out as a competitive rider. In his case it was trials on Sundays with the rest of the week selling cars to make a living.

He was successfully riding Bultaco when he began a working relationship with trials legend Sammy Miller as a production development rider. A switch to Ossa with Bob Golner came in 1974 then two years later he moved into long distance enduro competition.

In the workshop the head technician is also a past off-road champion with a background in trials, enduro and Moto X. After all that time working on his own bikes he still enjoys his time with customers' machines.

Factory training for the technicians has always been of the utmost importance in the workshop - high standards demand the best training.

An advantage of the varied makes that have been under Parkroad's roof is that the workshop is fully skilled to carry out services and repairs on a wide selection of bikes; BMW riders still call back for services.

A complete tyre-fitting and balancing service with laser tracking for wheel alignment is provided by the workshop.

Colin is particularly proud to have his son, Carl, in the business, but it wasn't a case of the boss's son coming in for an easy time. Carl started at the bottom in the shop, learning every aspect of the business as he progressed through the departments.

Both of them are happy to say that it has been a real pleasure to work with Yamaha and encounter some of the best customers they could wish for.

Clothing and accessories have been moved into a new, much larger, department on the ground floor.

In addition to being the only official stockists for Roof helmets they are main agents for AGV and Shoei including the new limited edition Shoei Tribe helmet. A comprehensive selection of textile and leather clothing is stocked and men and women can select from Wolf (sole stockists), Alpinestars, RST and Ixon.

Kangaroo has become highly popular and will be found along with cowhide leathers and in the selection of gloves, everything from GP Pro to waterproof textiles and summer gloves.

Alpinestars feature again in the boot line-up along with Sidi and the excellent Venderamini. The choices range from sports to touring boots and off-road wear.

Being riders themselves, the staff are able to help with selection and fit with all the clothing.

As would be expected from a Yamaha dealership the range of genuine clothing, including the commemorative selection, is available, as well as the genuine gift selection.

So this year sees Yamaha celebrate 50 years of motorcycle production and Parkroad holds not only its 30th anniversary of business but the 20th as a Yamaha dealer.

Parkroad's principle is not asking anyone to accept less than they themselves would accept. This is one reason attributed to their long success.