About Padgett's Motorcycles

Padgett’s Motorcycles was founded by Peter Padgett and his brother Don in 1958, approaching their 55th anniversary it is one of the most successful and established motorcycle dealerships in the UK. Padgett’s Motorcycles has a strong association with Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha and are the longstanding dealer of all three manufacturers, with over 50 years of experience with each. In conjunction with Honda Japan, the company established the first Honda Racing Corporation, HRC Service Shop in the world outside of Japan in 1993.

The family-run business first started selling Yamaha motorcycles in 1959, one year later it expanded with Honda and just three years after that Padgett’s Motorcycles began a relationship with Suzuki in 1963. The company also sells Kawasaki and Aprilia motorcycles within its sister Company Kawasaki Autorama. We also carry a wide range of parts, accessories and clothing across our 3 stores. When the current shop was built in 1974, it was the largest purpose-built motorcycle showroom in Europe. Aside from the Dealership creating a Motorcycle Village with the different Manufacturers in separate showrooms creating a large commercial presence, the name Padgett is steeped and widely known around the world for their racing heritage.

The Padgett’s Motorcycles Race Team heritage spans three generations of British Racing Legends – from Hailwood, Ivy, and Read to Haslam, McElnea, Fogarty, Camier, Richards and Vincent to present McGuinness and Anstey, all have starred in the company’s roll of honour. Over the years Padgett’s has provided spectators with more than their fair share of peak sporting moments. From simple beginnings, chasing glory on home-built machines, with little more than willpower and talent to carry them through, Padgett’s has now emerged as a dominant contender in the Road Championship (north West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix and also in the British Superbike Championship).

Padgett’s Motorcycles has enjoyed unparalleled success in the world of motorcycle racing for over 50 years. The organisations involvement covers not only riders, but also high performance part manufacture, management and unparalleled involvement with manufacturers including technical advice, product development and construction.

The idea of the team is to bring riders on, take them to the next level. The Padgett family is a racing legend, widely acknowledged as Britain’s leading race management team. Peter Padgett is responsible for initiating the careers of scores of Europe’s top riders, whilst his son Clive Padgett is Britain’s youngest ever champion now directing the race team. Clive’s first meeting was at Cadwell Park in 1976, with a Yamaha 250 he finished 10th in his first race, 9th in the second and won the third. The impressive success continued, and from 15 meetings, a couple of which were nationals, Clive ended his first season with 27 wins in the 250cc and 350cc classes. The 1977 season ended with 39 wins, the 250cc British Championship and the 250cc and 500cc British Clubmans Championships trophies, winning every round of both classes. Having enjoyed outstanding success at home, Clive set his sights on the Continent. An injury he sustained meant he had to quit racing himself (not through lack of trying, he even tried to velcro his glove to the throttle!) – Now Clive is the team manager and brings riders along to the best of his ability, with the knowledge he has gained from a life time of experience. Padgett’s compete in the British Superbike Championship and Roads Championship at Present.