I used to take the subway frequently to Firth's (at the Coxwell station) to get parts initially for my 1967 Royal Enfield Interceptor and, after 1976, when I bought my 1974 Commando. Harry Firth was quite the character. (He once told me, a wet-behind-the-years teenager, "Royal Enfield! Best bank in the world! You're always putting money into it!"). Harry was actually issued a U.S. patent for a "combined tail light and end piece" in 1948:
Towards the end of his business days, Harry complained that Norton was shipping him incomplete motorcycles in crates, which would be missing a saddle or some other essential part, but include a snarky note in its place. He basically told me that these stupid actions were killing the Norton company, because he couldn't sell a bike in that condition. (To see some of these clowns, visit my previous post. Today, what's left of them probably sit around in grimy pubs complaining of the loss of their glory days, and blaming it all on someone else.)
I remember that you had to go up a steep flight of wooden stairs to get to the parts counter upstairs, where a gorilla of a guy named Ron greeted you gruffly and with little enthusiasm. After Harry retired, I'd heard Ron and Harry's daughter Lois (?) bought him out and renamed it "Loron Motorcycles."
When they answered the phone, it always sounded like "Moron Motorcycles." I said as much, and I don't think they appreciated the feedback.
To see some more photos of Firth Motorcycles, visit Moto Code.
Anyway, I was cleaning out some old file folders recently and discovered I'd actually kept a 1978 Firth catalogue! Below, for your edification and enjoyment from that time machine:
To see some more photos of Firth Motorcycles, visit Moto Code.
Anyway, I was cleaning out some old file folders recently and discovered I'd actually kept a 1978 Firth catalogue! Below, for your edification and enjoyment from that time machine:
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| December 1991 Classic Motor Cycle |
8 comments:
Great story!
I am a little late commenting, for some reason I only found this post last night while I was on the Danforth. I couldn't recall the exact address of the old shop and stumbled onto your post (Thank you Google!). While outside I found myself imagining all those old Norton and Matchless bikes cruising the strip. I confess that I may have heard a ghost exhaust note on the wind.
I appreciate your reference to my blog, MotoCode. I have done my best to publish these old Firth's Catalogs when I find them. It is my small contribution to documenting the way things were, though it pales in comparison to your excellent work!
Please keep doing what you do best.
Regards,
Jon
I remember going by all the time as a kid...wanting a bike.
Days gone by but always remember.
I thought Ron the big parts guy was friendly. I had a 1958 AJS 500 and he taught me a lot. Serial number was 58 18CS 2905. If anyone has seen it, please post. Larry
Can anyone help me locate one of Firth`s Buddy Seats, please? Pre-patent no. preferred. I would love to find and buy it for my 1947 Knucklehead, versus lugging an extra 30 pounds weight on an old Harley buddy seat and pan.
The FIRTH is lighter and the best! I know they are not going to be cheap. I see one on e-bay now for $1800, but it was already sold.
Please reply on this post, asap!
THANK YOU,
Bruce David
In the 50's and maybe early 60's I'd occasionally make the long trek from home in Aurora down to Firth's for parts. If my bike wasn't roadworthy I'd sometimes hitch-hike to Hogs Hollow where I'd use the TTC all the way to Harry's. I'd forgotten that flight of wooden stairs up to the parts dept. where Ron (I'd remembered him as Ross?) would usually try to intimidate you for some reason. Once he decided you knew what you were talking about he seemed to lighten up. I had several AJ's and Matchy's in the day so they were my go-to guys. I remember the store had these big chromed (stainless steel?) letters spelling out Firth's. My later bike choices drove me to Percy the Pirate and others.
Great memories.
Correction ... the parts guy was Roy wasn't he?
Keep the stories coming!
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