Retro Heaven

When it come to bikes - especially old bikes - how often do you look back on the great British brands of the '40s and '50s as epitomising the classic era? While we can't turn back the clock, it's good to know that there is one business still operating that is as close as you'll get to revisiting those classic days. Those that grew up in Melbourne will know that the top of Elizabeth Street has always been the mecca of motorcycle shops. It is claimed - with plenty of supporting evidence - that Elizabeth Street is the oldest motorcycle shopping strip in the world. The first shops were established here in the 1920s. Soon after, motorcycle shops lined both sides of the street.

Times change, but one institution that continues today is Modak Motorcycles. Established in the 1920s, firstly as motor-cycle wreckers, but following a change of location (to 342 Elizabeth Street) and new owners in 1955, Modak became the agency for Norton and Vincent spare parts. Between 1958-1968, Modak sold new Moto Parilla, Greeves, Maico, Lilac, AJS, Matchless and Norton motorcycles. In 1966, Modak acquired the shop next door and sold secondhand and some new machines, before in 1968 importing the first Norton Commando fastbacks into Victoria. Their premises were acquired by the underground loop authority in 1972, forcing a move to 299 Elizabeth Street, where you will find them today. As you can see, Modak have an exceptional heritage stretching back to the early herculean days of motorcycling in Victoria.

The best thing about Modak is that, while change is all around them, they have retained a business that looks and feels pretty much as it would have decades ago. Inside, there is an abundance of stock, so when it comes to anything retro - especially to do with British bikes - this is definitely THE place to come to. As you can see from the main photo above, they have stock from floor to ceiling. . . . literally!

As well as parts you'd struggle to find elsewhere, Modak have an interesting array of retro-branded clothing & merchandise that will have you thinking you've walked into a thriving shop from the Golden Era of British Motorcycles! One of the items that really caught our eye were the English-style split-lens motorcycle goggles (pictured below). Modak also have BSA and Triumph branded fuel tanks, as well as plenty of parts for most British bikes including AJS, Matchless, Triumph, Velocette, BMW, Royal Enfield, Norton. etc.

So, if you need parts and accessories for that classic Brit bike rebuild/resto project, or if you just want to soak in a bit of "traditional motorcycle shop" ambience, get yourself down to Modak Motorcycles in Elizabeth Street - possibly the oldest motorcycling business in Australia.