The Cycle Center History:
In the early 1970s, original owner Phil Owens opened The Cycle Center on Main St. in Culpeper, VA. becoming the first Yamaha motorcycle dealership in this area. He briefly sold Moto Guzzi motorcycles too.
The gas embargo and high gas prices spurred brisk motorcycle sales at that time and to meet the growing needs of his customers, Phil hired some young guys to work as mechanics. Charlie Lacy was one of those men. Charlie worked for Phil for several years before finally buying The Cycle Center from him in 1977.
Charlie purchased land and
moved the Yamaha dealership to its current location on Lovers Lane in 1978. Since that time, the motorcycle industry has seen many changes and the introduction of many new products. ATVs, scooters, and UTVs have become big sellers, along with high performance and electric motorcycles.
In 2015, Charlie made the decision to sell the Yamaha franchise, preferring to concentrate on the repair side of the business.
He is the main mechanic at the shop and does all of the cylinder boring and engine building. He truly is "old school"
when it comes to experience, quality of work, and knowledge about the vintage Yamaha enduros.
He also collects and restores vintage Yamaha & Honda motorcycles and minibikes. He enjoys taking his Yamaha RZ350, 1970 Honda CB750, and one of his CT70s for a spin when weather permits! During riding season, he can be found riding his 2005 Yamaha FZ1 with friends on the back roads of central Virginia and West Virginia.
Charlie enjoys swapping stories and information about his vintage Yamahas and always has old bikes on display in the store.
He occasionally sells a bike from his collection when the mood strikes him!
The Cycle Center started out as a small, locally-owned business and is still one today, thanks to our many repeat customers and their loyalty to us. We appreciate your business!
Vintage Yamahas at The Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama!
The gas embargo and high gas prices spurred brisk motorcycle sales at that time and to meet the growing needs of his customers, Phil hired some young guys to work as mechanics. Charlie Lacy was one of those men. Charlie worked for Phil for several years before finally buying The Cycle Center from him in 1977.
Charlie purchased land and
moved the Yamaha dealership to its current location on Lovers Lane in 1978. Since that time, the motorcycle industry has seen many changes and the introduction of many new products. ATVs, scooters, and UTVs have become big sellers, along with high performance and electric motorcycles.
In 2015, Charlie made the decision to sell the Yamaha franchise, preferring to concentrate on the repair side of the business.
He is the main mechanic at the shop and does all of the cylinder boring and engine building. He truly is "old school"
when it comes to experience, quality of work, and knowledge about the vintage Yamaha enduros.
He also collects and restores vintage Yamaha & Honda motorcycles and minibikes. He enjoys taking his Yamaha RZ350, 1970 Honda CB750, and one of his CT70s for a spin when weather permits! During riding season, he can be found riding his 2005 Yamaha FZ1 with friends on the back roads of central Virginia and West Virginia.
Charlie enjoys swapping stories and information about his vintage Yamahas and always has old bikes on display in the store.
He occasionally sells a bike from his collection when the mood strikes him!
The Cycle Center started out as a small, locally-owned business and is still one today, thanks to our many repeat customers and their loyalty to us. We appreciate your business!
Vintage Yamahas at The Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama!