Professor's Cycle Products was opened on October 7th 1982. Our original address was 2916 Cleary Ave., which is right next door to where we are now. At the time, a shop called J&J was located there and they were going out of business. We purchased their shelving, display cases and Harley inventory.
We went into business blind as to what we were doing and in the early years survived on pure luck. Professor was teaching school at JD Miesler Middle School, hence the nickname, Michele ran the shop and was trying to figure out what was what. Professor had lots of motor building jobs, but his work shop was in his home garage. So for our first year, he would leave his day job and go work on motors at his garage. As luck would have it the larger building next door, where we are today, went up for sale. This allowed Professor to set up a work area on site.
After a few years Professor quit his day job, and for four years we operated 7 days a week. In 1985 we got involved with drag racing in the Harley Drag Race Association (HDRA). In the next few years we put together several bikes and did quite well. We acheived the national record in class O Modified Gas Dragster by doing a 10:13 at a quarter mile track going 130.05 mph with a 92.6" motor. We held the national record in the HDRA until 1987 when the Association disbanded. We had a lot of help from good friends in those racing year
When James Jr. was born reality set in and the race bike program came to an end. Racing is an expensive hobby. I'm sure all you parents out there know, family comes first and kids grow up fast. Our son is our priority as I'm sure your kids are also.
James, or Jimmy as we all call him, literally grew up at the shop. Some of our long time customers/friends remember the play pen and the toys in the show room. Michele just brought him to work with her. She also modified her 1965 Harley Servicar by removing the box lid and bolting a car seat in it so he could ride with her.
We have had some wonderful employees over the years, and in a small business that makes all the difference in the world. I'm sure some of you remember Roy, Fred, Armond, Ken, Vic, Digit and Jeff. Our employees have always been more like family and friends.
We have learned a lot over
the years. We are constantly trying to improve our service to you, our
customers, and have the parts in stock to keep your bike on the road. We
realize there is a lot of different places you can go for your parts and
service , with the internet, mail companies and other local shops, so when you
choose us we appreciate you.
Thanks for the many years of support!