Colin Fitch Started his Motorcycle career as a sole trader back in 1977! after working before as a kid part time at local motorcycle shop Ken Green.
Working out of his parents garage in w.g.c. England doing friends and family’s Cars & Bikes. Having Previously worked in Honda Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Puch, Vespa, MZ, Tomos & Triumph Dealerships.
And had left got married and had a young baby!
He had not told my wife or family that he had started up on my own!
A massive gamble as had a mortgage as well !!
He rented a unit in Hertford and opened as c.j Motorcycles. Upstairs there was two guys in a company called t.p.s that made exhausts and other Products for Harris Performance Hertford ( the famous Harris Magnum Manufacturers and suppliers to Barry Sheen) Anyway things where going good.
Then one day a bailiff turned up (looking for the guy who owned the building).
Colin showed him his rent book and had not seen the owner for some time! ANYWAY LONG STORY SHORT EVERYTHING WAS SIZED AND COLIN WAS LOCKED OUT!.
So things could have died before it really got going,
Fate stepped in, The two guys making the Harris products where in same boat so Colin went and found a new Premises in W.G.C. and t.p.s. and c.j’s motorcycles merged.
Fate again stepped in.
In another part of the old building was an engineering firm that made parts for triumph/Norton etc and did re bores and cylinder head repairs for Jock Kerr motorcycles ( dodgy outfit) but had two good engineers working for them Colin did a deal for them to come work for him and do away with the bad elements!.
So with a few friends we went back in and got our stuff out plus a lot of Jock Kerrs Stuff!
So all of them set up in w.g.c. in Southfields and Predator Motorsport was born Designing, Manufacturing Selling. Motorcycle products, racks, crash bars, formula Four Chassis, Go-Karts, Predator/Harris/Falcon Exhausts, Cylinder Head Repairs, Engine Rebuilds Etc.
A second Shop Opened in Hatfield with the area’s Yamaha Franchise. followed by Puch / Tomos Franchises.
But Colin had a Bad habit ( not Drugs or anything) he loved Motorcycles and Loved Figuring out Problems and figuring out things you need parts!
The Recession came and Colin has 7 Staff but he classed them as Family so would not let any of them Go even with 18% interest mortgage!!.
Work got slow but he spotted one thing he had capital in the house and believed investing in the future and re mortgaged the House!
And then went out buying up all the Motorcycle shops that had good parts stock that where in trouble or Closing down 28 of them in two years!!
Two of the had massive distributor parts stock.
He started doing the international motorcycle show at Olympia and then onto the NEC.
He Tells a funny story about Olympia Motorcycle Show sitting at a table with Ray Hurding (Yamaha), Andy Freeman (EBC), Mark (just Starting up M&P Accessories), Peter Gleve (wholesaler) it started with Peter looking at mark saying let me get this straight you going to buy EBC brake pads off Andy and sell the mail order with adds in MCN ( motorcycle news) it will neither fly!!
Mark went onto be one of the most respected retailers in the History of British motorcycle business!
Colin went away thinking that if only there was a way of supplying those hard to get things!
Withing a month had brought out the first split cam chain rivet link sold hundreds (So no need to strip the whole engine down if cam chain needs changing).
He got an engineering firm in Germany to produce undersize crankshaft bearings for the entire Honda range got a prince crank grinder to do 025 & 0.50 undersize grinding them Lush heat treatments to re harden the cranks before final polish so size and a Production line was set up gutting engines, rebuilding them within a few days with new cranks, re bores pistons gaskets head repairs everything done in house!
Mail order exchange engines sent all over Europe. (No one else come close:)
It got so successful Motorcycle mechanics wanted to do an article on him and the company said it will be a page few pics was mentioned.
It came out bit on front cover and a five page spread .
He says to this day he regrets is as gave away to many trade secrets and within six months three other shops had started up doing the same service after two years he sold the machine shop to India and moved onto other Things.
Built his own 16 foot x6 foot wide Dyno meter with a Roller that was made by the people who make train wheels its was totally adjustable to take long wheel base choppers, formula 2 side cars etc. all of his own design.
He recall’s some great story’s with race teems before the Isle of Man TT.
Opened another branch in Tewin Road wgc but doing cars and vans as well mot class 1/2/3/4/7
( he did this not because of the money but so he could keep the guys and girls employed when quiet days on the bikes in winter).
Then the Exhaust Production factory in Harlow (yes had one there next to the Judd Formula one Engine Plant) had a fire!
Colin turned up just as the building exploded into a ball of flame knowing there where two staff inside we went in shouting at next door to call the emergency services. even thought his clothes where on fire he picked up a 24 stone guy and carried him out went back in smashed a window and chucked the other guy out the window!
Then put the fire out as the fire brigade turned up! ( he has a framed letter for bravery in s house but does not mention it but his wife has the newspaper cuttings).
After a short spell in Hospital it was back to work.
Only thing he says about that day is will neither forget the smell of burning flesh.
We lost one of the guys shortly after and the other retired a year later so Harlow closed and was merged into Welwyn Garden city.
One day we got a phone call could we make an exhaust for an aeroplane no problem Colin said where is it guy said i will bring it down we thought it was a wind up but a truck turns up with a light aircraft with its wings removed. He made the exhaust the local paper covered it as well.
Then Jordan Grand prix came knocking and so did Jaguar, Dax kit Cars, Bits for this and that.
Again does not say much but Eddy Jordan gave his back half of Damon Hills exhaust and a lovely letter after spa
its on the background in the picture with Danny Jeuels ( red dwarf/death in paradise fame) He is also the god father to Colin & Josies Daughter now!
Then Colin had a heart attack ! Blue Light to Lister Hospital Then Royal Free stents etc
Got discharged in taxi back to work ( as had promised customer job would be finished !!!)
Time moved on and Colin was always looking forward and the new unit in wgc was getting smaller a firm on the Corner of Mundell’s wgc had gone bust and a unit 2 1/2 times bigger was up for rent with ICI.
So spoke to his advisor (Super Brother Chris) and decided to go for it with an agreement with ICI if it ever come up for sale will be offered it first so ( got a loan for 1M and set to work).
1/2 way in to the refurb ( we mean refurb this unit had broken windows no doors etc).
Colin broke his Hip!! but did not say anything for a few days but crying gave it away!
Super Brother stepped in colin off to National orpopedic Hospital the see his friend Professor Briggs and also speak to Dr. Axon at QE2 wgc.
Now i must point out that Colin had had his hip replaced before but was messed up by the surgeon so had been in pain for a couple of years with pin moving up and down in his leg. (Professor Briggs suggested suing the NHS but in Colin’s eyes we ALL Own the NHS so that was not on)
But he was seen on the Wednesday and his pelvis/hip was rebuilt of the Friday!
three days later told off for being off site holding a meeting with a Motorcycle Parts Rep in a hospital gown and a morphine pump around his neck!
You know what is coming. Four days after that he asked the staff to go to his mums hand get a old mobility scooter out the garage put so new battery’s on it and tune it up a bit.
So when discharged on crutches straight to work by cab onto the scooter so could run up and down the road between units to see what was going on.
The staff found him one day in a heap in road after jumping a speed bump and rolling it! on floor still laughing!
The new place opened New Motorcycle Show Room, Massive Parts Department, Engineering Department, Motorcycle Workshop with Five ramps, Tyre bay. One off exhaust Bespoke Car Manufacturing Bay, One off bespoke Motorcycle Exhaust manufacturing bay, 3 Car mot lanes, x1 van mot lane, a Motorcycle mot bay and a three wheeler mot bay.
A 38 seater cafe, a motorcycle clothing shop, a sign shop. A lady’s hairdressers. A massage Company, a car / van service centre!
No plans all worked out in his head. (Tesco Headquarters over road thus the Beauty Parlor bit Lady’s could het sorted while there cars being done!)
But non of it would have happened if not for the support of his big brother Chris ( to this day Colin says its all down to Chris)
So we had a grand opening day planned a bouncy castle a bbq thought about 80 people if that.
Predator Motorsport & Predator Exhausts UK (both same company) have always sponsored The Royal Artillery with Equipment for there Motorcycle display team (The Flying Gunners)
And on a visit to there base his Partner mentioned that we are having an open day and would be good to get a few of the guys along to have a chat about the army etc.
The Company Commander decided every thing would come and visited us and decided to hold a full display but not enough room in car park..
Colin thought about it and rang up local council to see it could use the park opposite! No no way impossible.
We then got news that Jamie Fox Attached to the Royal artillery had been killed in Afghan
Hmmmm Council Guy got Colin’s back up so looked into it more.
He found out Council did not own the park Thames water did so he rang Thames water and told them who he was and had just found out that one of the Royal artillery had died and instead of it being about his Company wanted to make it a day for S.A.F.F.A the armed forces charity.
Hold on phone clicked and the Director of Thames water picked up the phone!
Fate strikes again!
The Director of Thames Water at that time had a daughter Flying Chinooks in the Military.
By the Afternoon he was on site with two of his guys marking out with us where we could put on a full show.
So in for a penny why don’t we do everything.
Thames water gave us written permition to use all there land for our needs and ( sod the council)
Colin rang everyone he knew Aprilia agreed to Lunch the new v4 at the show Motorcycle new covered it .
He had a bet with Hiham at Panshanger Airfield ( colin had been a Volunteer there since he was 7) that as the date chosen was VE day if he got a war bird to fly over he would pay for the fuel! game on!
(hiam new no war birds where available as all booked year before)
His friend arranged for the barmy army to come along on the day.
And then the council turned up on mass 8 of them in hard hats and high viz.
We have come to ask you to stop this illegal show. Colin looked at them and said explain
( well its our land and you cannot hold it there gave them a copy of the Thames water letter said see you in court)
Now what followed was letters from the council saying that ok if you going to do this you need a performing rights licence and elf and safety this and that , toilets for whole site and one last thing a barrier around the while half mile of one way system surrounding the site!
Colin went up the Airfield for a cup of coffee and a think!
Hiam came out my darling whet is wrong your face look i have a ladder and this bit of rope and the hanger over there had a spare beam (laughing).
I was sitting next to him thinking i wonder if i can have his Mustang if he tops him self (kidding).
Anyway Colin tells him what is going on he says right talk to him pointing at a guy on next table hiam goes over and says something and calls colin over.
So he goes over and have a chat ( again long story short) Apparently the guy is Lord Salisbury son ( Hatfield House) he gives colin a phone number and said see if this helps.
Back at predator Colin rings the Number a Well do do Lady answers the phone Colin explains the he was given the number after the lady askes how he got it, Hold on i will get my Husband man comes to phone who is this how did you get this number i explain ( and how is my son) so at this point he realises that to be given this number in exceptional gift!.
Colin explained that he was putting this show together for S.A.F.F.A. and needed help with council.
Leave it with me Lord Salisbury Said.
A day later Colin mobile rings (it’s the Queens Private Secretary) Her Majesty is aware of your situation and will be giving you her full support.
That afternoon Grant Shapps Mp rings Colin How can i help. ( Colin said i will let you know)
At this point you have to Remember all Colin was doing in Beginning was opening a new facility and this was getting to be a roller coaster.
A week later Colin took mum to R.A.F. Mildenhall for his dads Sqn And Air Gunners reunion (15th Sqn Lancaster’s) Dad had passed, but mum was asked to go every year so fire up the Mustang!
Fate Again !
He pulled up at the gate in his 69 Fastback and was greeted with wow great example. him and his mum went into the gate house and presented the letter saying was there for the day for the reunion but the guard only looked at there passports and started to apologise for sopping them (exited left into side office a discussion was herd and a few heads come around the corner).
AN OFFICER APPERED AND AND APOLIGIZED FOR KEEPING THEM WAITING MRS FITCH YOU SON HAS BEEN INFORMED AND PLEASE PROCEED GIVING US PASSES ????
Now Mrs Fitch is 80 odd years old and hard of hearing and did not here of most of it but said not to worrie Ernie would be pleased meaning her late husband!
Colin says we got back in our Mustang and pulled up at the block that lowers into the floor and stopped just inside the base and waited for our Escort as had happened for many years but no one came i asked to look at the passes ( access all arears) look around no one is coming so go for it !.
We drive around the perimeter road and get to the top side of the Runway and waited behind a pick up the lights stopped flashing and we drove over to what dad called the killing fields side ( in old days bomb dump etc the bit no member of public get to go)
drove around for a bit then spotted to base wife’s cake and brick a brack sale going on in one of the refuelling hangers converted 707 outside so we park up and go in everyone friendly and walk around mum sports something she likes then in her very British accent askes how much ! You could here a pin drop everyone stopped talking and looked at us the Lady on the Stall asked who we where and where is our Escort then her Eyes locked onto the Pass my mum and clipped to her top Proudly and the Lady immediately said ho ok sorry did not realise and put her had up to stop a guard from coming over.
Mum brought the item and we left on the way back to the main area i spotted a gas stn and the prices where a dream so i pulled in and filled up the car paid by card and we then went to the mall. Mum wanted a cup of tea so we looked around went to Starbucks and sitting there she looked up over my head and said wow that’s a lot of medals and don’t you look smart !
The reply was superb! HALLOW MUM!
It was the BASE Commander and on his chest was his name badge FITCH he was Laughing and got the Mix Up but two civilians from outside going around a USAF high Security Base was not a Laughing Matter. So we went to his office for a decent tea & Coffee
And mum stared taking about our show!
By the time we left we had a full USAF sir Display Promised for the day!
Fate Again
Now Colin had been trying to get a spitfire for the veterans Parade on the day and to get Higam to part with some money!
Ringing around a lady called Janet Black come up so Colin Rang her asking if He could have her Nimrod fly over then she said no but don’t you want my Hurricane !
It had just been re-Skinned and air worthy early so was not booked for the season. a deal was struck
Colin & Chris Both put in £1000 to pay for fuel insurance and pilots time.
Colin went up to Panshanger Airfield for a Coffee Higham Said here he comes Mr no Display at his show Colin sat down said coffee please and Janet Black Said hi to You ( his Face hit the floor Grabbed his pone and checked the availability i had him hook line and sinker!
But true to his word he asked Mark Jeffreys the world aerobatic Champion at the time to attend and paid for everything.
The council strike back!
Two days before the show the USAF send a fax to Welwyn Hatfield Brough Council Offices asking for contacts of local farms as to contact to see if any cattle etc on flight path as a curtesy.
Some dip shit jobs thick twat scrolled across the fax this airshow is illegal and will not be going ahead
(at that moment we lost the best parts of our airshow a tanker with two fighters flying over a sqn from Lakenheath of fighters as well!)
Colin was on site but did not find out till next day then it was too late!
We where all Gutted.
So Colin rang the queen !
She Called Grant Shapps MP
who rang the Council Up who Rang Colling Apologizing and how could we help ( i think Colin say a few choice words in meaning go way ! : )
ADBLY CONSTRUCTION THE BOSS COLIN HAD NEATHER MET OR SPOKE TO GOT HIS CREW TO SUPPLY AND ARRENT A FENCE AROUND THE ENTIRE ONE WAY SYATEM , PUT IN FESTIVAL TOILETS, AND AN ARENA FOR THE DAY, THE ROYAL ARTILLERY TURNED UP AND INVITED THE PARASUTE REGINMENT WHO DID A JUMP AS WELL, Colin HAD A FULL FUN FARE FOC ALL TAKINGS TO SAFFA, Jaguar Cars, Aston Martin Cars, The Scouts the Royal Navel Club with Full Bar, AND A FEW HELICOPTERS FLOWN IN ON STATIC DISPLAY FOR GOOD MEASURE etc etc.
The Queen Asked Lord Salisbury to take the Salute from the Veterans and Janet Blacks Hurricane flew over on Q
Mark Jeffry’s did a Fantastic display as always over the Arena, and Colin’s friend turned up with his Lancaster Engine In a Chassis Doing Engine runs throwing water balloons into the blades so showering the crowd on such a hot day!
He had a lost child tent . ice cream stand and burger stands a cheer Leeder car wash and a dragster run up it went crazy as over 19000 people turned up ! ( estimated bu the council as colin only had brought a licence for a show for 200 people in first place) BUT THE COUNCIL DID NOT TELL HEALTH AND SAFTY THE THE SHOW (WAS NOW SUPPORTED) BY THEM AND ELF AND SAFTY TRIED TO SHUT IT!
DOWN BUT COLIN HAD A WORD WITH THE HEAD OF THE ARMY WHO THE QUEEN HAD SENT ALONG WITH THE HEAD OF THE AIRFORCE AND NAVY WHO GOT A FEW HANY LADS TO REMOVE THEM
OFF SITE !
He shrugged his shoulders and said ho well try suing me a
I will get the queen to talk on my behalf!
( SHE LATER INVITED HIM TO THE RACES FOR A CHAT)
SO THE NEW BUISNESS WAS OPEN AND FLYING
OR SO HE THOUGHT!
BAD LUCK TIME!
10 YEARS LATER AND A GUY COMES IN FROM THE LANDLORD ICI I HAVE COME TO CHECK THE PLACE OVER FOR THE LANDLORDS INSURANE POLICY
OK HELP YOURSELF LOOK AROUND, AFTER AND HOUR HE ASKED TO HAVE A WORD ONLY TO COME CLEAN HE IS THE NEW OWNER AND WANTS US OUT! AS DONE SUCHA GOOD JOB OF THE PLACE
ICI HAD SOLD THE WHOLE ESTATE TO AND INVESTMENT WANKER WHO WITH ICI GOT ROUND OUR AGREEMNT BY SELLING THE WHOLE ESTATE
( WE WOULD HAVE BROUGHT IT HAD WE KNOWN IT WAS UP FOR SALE)
SO WE WENT TO COURT AND IN COMMERCIUAL LAW IN THIS COUNTRY IF YOU SIGN A LEASE YOU ARE KNACKERD AND OUR FIVE YEAR RENT REVIUE WAS UP OUR RENT WENT FROM 69,000 A YEAR TO 125,000 OVERNIGHT MAKING THE BUISNESS UNSUSTAINABLE!
WE FOUGHT IT FOR ANOTHER YEAR BUT THE STRESS
COLIN HAD ANOTHER HEART ATTACK !
SO WE CALLED IT A DAY MOVED EVERTHING TO STORAGE AND WALKED AWAY LOOSING THE FIT OUT COST GOOD WILL ETC ETC
BUT COLIN HAD OTHER PLANS!
YES THE BUISNESS HAD COST HIM HIS FAMILY MARRAGE AND FRIENDS BUT IN LIFE SOMEONE ALWAYS WORST OFF THAN YOU IN THE WORLD AS SAYING GOES (DONT WAIT FOR YOUR SHIP TO MOME IN SWIM OUT AND MEET IT!)
Just Before closing WGC Colin had taken a Holiday and met Miss Philippines ( as he calls her) Josie Sun and she stole what was left of his hear that was not dead 🙂
Colin thought hang on why not set up a pure parts only business for the family as we have over 2 million worth of trade spares sitting in storage!
So Motorcycle & Moped Parts UK was Born! ( www.motorcyclemopedparts.co.uk
We opened a shop in St.Albans but in a few car ramps motorcycle shop and exhaust manufacturing started again and all of up stairs is motorcycle parts.
Colin & Josie are The owners with 4 staff two in UK x1 in Philippines & X1 in USA
importing and exporting parts from and too all over the world
Predator Exhaust Ltd was wound up and went back to just Predator Exhausts UK, and incorporated into MMPUK with falcon exhaust, works exhaust, Predator Motorsport, Etc and new Company Predator Motorcycle Exhaust Ltd Formed.
Colin Now works sorting and sourcing hard to find parts and josie runs the mail order parts side, Andy runs the motorcycle workshop and exhaust Fabrication, Apple runs the IT and web design with Joe in USA
What about 2026
Colin is in the middle of securing a massive amount of genuine Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha,Kawasaki, Puch Parts and will be listed next year a new distribution Centre will be coming online in Welwyn Garden City watch this space !