About Us
At BMW Motorcycles of Modesto, our customers come first
Our mission statement is:
“Building lasting relationships with our partners and employees while serving the recreational and travel community. Our core values shall be based on Honesty and Integrity and Service to the Community.” Cycle Specialties BMW is the result of one man’s love for motorcycles. It began back in the 1960s, when John Wienholz was just 14 and visiting his uncle in rural Nevada. During that trip, John rode a motorcycle for the first time—a Honda 90—and a lifelong love of motorcycles was born. Back home in California, he started mowing lawns to save money for a motorcycle of his own, a goal he reached a year later when he bought a 1965 Honda 160 for about $300. When the Honda needed a new clutch, John took it to Cycle Specialties, at that time a small shop located on 8th Street in Modesto. The $89.00 repair bill caused John to go out and buy his own motorcycle repair book, which he still has today.
Soon, friends were asking John to work on their sport bike, ATV, utility vehicle and touring, and he took over his parents’ garage with repair work, going to Cycle Specialties for the parts he needed. Finally, Cycle Specialties owner Ralph Silvias asked 17-year-old John if he’d like to come to work for him. John said yes, and went to work for Ralph while he began his pre-engineering courses at Modesto Junior College. During his second year of college, while he was taking a particularly tough Calculus course, Ralph asked John if he would be interested in buying the business. John, faced with the choice between calculus or motorcycles, chose the latter. He took out a small bank loan and, in 1971, became the owner of BMW Motorcycles of Modesto.
The shop moved to 301 Maze Blvd. in 1969, then into the larger space next door at 307 Maze in 1983. Initially, Cycle Specialties was a source for salvage parts, new and used accessories, service on all makes of motorcycle, and custom-built motorcycles. In 1990, Cycle Specialties became an authorized BMW dealer, and by about 2000, the decision was made to sell and service exclusively BMW motorcycles.
Today, Cycle Specialties has grown to become the Central Valley’s premier source of BMW Motorcycles, Parts, Service and Apparel. Recognized by BMW as one of the top 5 service centers in the country, Cycle Specialties prides itself in providing superior service for your BMW motorcycle.
In 2008 Cycle Specialties added Triumph motorcycles bringing more fun to the store. In 2008 we moved to our new store at 1201 North Carpenter Road in Modesto. In 2015 we added the BRP Can-am line including the Spyder, side by side and ATV’s.
John and his wife of forty six years Chris love to share rides with customers and friends. They do monthly shop rides and once a year do an extended ride some where in the world, join the fun.
Why Purchase from Your Local Dealer?
- Relationships – This is the most important reason it establishes a relationship with us. We are riders too and understand how important it is to provide you with the convenience of service and support when you need it.
- Convenience – Close to home, we provide a wealth of knowledge regarding the product, as well as on-site inventory for you to tour and test drive prior to making your purchase.
- Local Economy – Local purchases help to keep tax dollars and people at work in your community.
Cycle Specialties is conveniently located near the areas of Manteca, Stockton, Tracy, Turlock, and Oakdale.
