Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurners Workshops back in the day) turns 40

Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurner’s Workshop back in the day) turns 40

And what a date to do it, the 1st of April.

Back on the 1st of April 1984, Selwyn and Ruth Lurner opened their doors in midtown Johannesburg. A few years later they  outgrew the original premises having secured several OEM agencies like Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda  and moved into the building on the corner of Kruis and Anderson streets in JoBurg. Along the way they were blessed with two baby boys, Warren and Wayne, we believe Warren came along just six months after they opened for business.

Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurners Workshops back in the day) turns 40
Ruth looking after the parts counter, keeping the customers smiling
Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurners Workshops back in the day) turns 40
The most famous 24 hr bike recovery bakkie in Jhb - a service they still offer
Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurners Workshops back in the day) turns 40
Way, way back in the early 80's - What a flashback....

As time went on they became known and are still known for their commercial fleet supply and maintenance. As JHB CBD regressed into a slum they moved to JoBurg’s Northern suburbs, changed their name to Motorcycles For Africa and are at 400 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg, where they have been for 17 years. 

As the boys grew into men, they gradually started becoming more involved in the shop learning the ropes from their parents, who eventually started taking more of a back seat drivers position, letting Warren and Wayne gradually take over the reigns. Sadly, Selwyn passed away a few years ago, Ruth and Wayne are still involved from a management perspective, but Warren is the man on the floor enthusiastically working to grow the business and the legacy for the next generation of Lurners. They still offer a 24 hour motorcycle recovery/tow in service all these years later – We think they actually pioneered the concept for motorcycles.

Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurners Workshops back in the day) turns 40
The showroom at the current premises
Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurners Workshops back in the day) turns 40
They have a properly busy workshop
Motorcycles For Africa (Selwyn Lurners Workshops back in the day) turns 40
And a pumping parts department

Warren proudly states that their technical staff are proper old school mechanics and not just new parts fitters, who have the ability to work on any generation of motorcycle and can usually make a plan even when parts are super scarce or just not available. They work on any make and model and age of motorcycle, but are still OEM agents for Suzuki, Lifan, Kayo and SYM. With full parts, service and showroom as well as the necessary accessories. They also manufacture bespoke crash bars, luggage racks in house. As well as specialise in accident repairs, (Insurance approved), restorations, rebuilds anything you can think of really.

To celebrate their 40th birthday they are running a bunch of specials, keep an eye on this website for their adverts.

And to get in touch with them – just tap here.

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