Precision Cycle Works is following in the tracks of Gasoline-Alley Harley Davidson.
The Red Deer motorsports shop is preparing to leave its premises at 2319 Taylor Dr. and cruise out to Gasoline Alley, moving into the building that was occupied by Gasoline-Alley Harley Davidson until 2006.
“We’ll be in by the end of January,” said Precision Cycle Works owner John Ferguson.
He added that the building on the east side of Hwy 2 doesn’t require much in the way of renovations to make it suitable for his needs.
“Space-wise it’s about the same,” he said.
“We’re not gaining a lot, except that we have better outside storage — we have a bigger compound out back to utilize.”
The big appeal of the site is its proximity to Hwy 2, said Ferguson.
“It’s a lot higher visibility.”
Rural residents should also find it more accessible than Precision Cycle Works’ current home, he said.
“We’re going to catch a lot of business that does not come into the city.”
Another appeal of the new building is its rent, which is less than Ferguson is now paying.
Gasoline-Alley Harley Davidson moved to the property from downtown Red Deer in 1999, when it was called G&H Harley-Davidson.
After the Harley-Davidson dealership relocated further north, the building was purchased and temporarily occupied by Hot Rods Inc.
Precision Cycle Works has been in its Taylor Drive premises since 2001.
Prior to that, it operated for about 19 years in Cronquist Business Park.
Ferguson, who was born in Red Deer and grew up in Sylvan Lake, also operated John’s Cycle and Sport from 1972 to 1978. It was Central Alberta’s first Harley-Davidson dealership.
Precision Cycle Works today sells motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft and utility vehicles. It also has a small engine division that services and repairs equipment like lawn mowers, lawn tractors and Rototillers.
Ferguson hinted that its small engine division could expand into sales following the move.
“There could be a chance in the future of adding a line in those.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com