Winter Road Trip: The History of Valley Cycles
Text by Andrew Davidson
The story of Valley Cycles begins with its
owner Kurt Winter. Raised in Hollywood in the 1960's, Kurt spent his formative
teen years playing rock & roll, and riding motorcycles, the seemingly
quintinsential lifestyle of the times. After nearly completeing a bachelors
degree in mathematics, this one time aspiring educator turned his attention
to a more immediate matter, making a living. His love of motorcycles and
a penchant for tinkering soon combined together, and in 1978 Kurt established
Valley Cycles, a motorcycle sales and service business.
Located in the 8100 block of Sepulveda Blvd,
in Van Nuys, CA., he was located just two doors north of a Los Angeles restaurant
hot spot, Dr. Hogley Wogley's Tyler Texas Bar-B-Que, still some of best
Bar-B-Que to be found in the LA area. Kurt soon earned a reputation for
high quality work and excellent service. I personally purchased my first
motorcycle from Kurt in 1981, a '72 CB500Four, that I still ride today.
After 11 years at this location, a change of scene was in order. His new
location...........
Valley
Cycles 1978 - 1989
Reseda, CA. With a new larger showroom,
Kurt's business continued to grow, as did the CB750
Preservation Society. Pictured at left is a gathering of the
"society" in front of the Reseda store, preparing for a club ride.
Kurt's passion for the Honda CB750K prompted him and a friend to create
the "society" as a way to unite fellow CB750 enthusiasts. As can
be seen from the picture, the "society" has a good following,
drawing fellow riders from all over Southern California, as well as out-of-state.
Valley Cycles continued in this location
until 1999, when, once again, Kurt moved his operation. This time in order
to offer customers even more, he re-opened his shop behind Cycle
Rider, in Chatsworth, CA. This provides motorcycling enthusiasts
with a one-stop location for both motorcycle service and accessories. Now
at his new location, Kurt's business is thriving. In addition to his interest
in restoring motorcycles, Kurt is an avid off-roader often taking his 3
children dirt-riding on sundays.
Kurt sporting his 1993 El Camino Vintage
Motorcycle Show Trophy for his 1970 CB750. This particular bike was also
featured at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles for several years.
Kurt's personal collection has netted him five show trophies, including
one from the prestigious Del Mar Concours d'Elegance Show in 1995.
The Master at work. Sure to be another one of Kurt's resurrected classics,
almost assuredly still on the road today, or hidden away in a private collection
somewhere - some even went back to Japan.