In The Beginning
The story begins in 1980 when Kym Dier and Murray Johnson, after many years of private trading in motorcycles, spawned the concept of a part time business during a Sunday barbeque.
After a short period they had received their first shipment of aftermarket Harley parts from the USA and began to advertise and sell on Saturday mornings from a spare room in Kym’s house. Realising the shortcomings of working from home they soon moved into a small shop in the Adelaide suburb of West Croydon.K&M was born.
The business soon began to take shape, and after importing new and used parts and small quantities of bikes for a couple of years,they put the finance in place to start importing container loads.
By 1985 they had imported large quantities of bikes, both American and British, new and used parts and had established themselves as a force in the Australian market.
The Move to Richmond
In 1987 K&M moved to larger premises in Richmond. Only 4km from the Adelaide C.B.D. it would prove to be a major stepping stone to their long term success, and provide the facility to develop their highly successful workshop.
It was to become the home of the Excessive Force Harley Drag team.
The following year Kym, after deciding to pursue his own independent goals left the business.
K & M Matures and Expands
A friend of Murray’s, Ray Renwood, stepped in to take Kym’s place. Ray had come from a sales career in automotive paint supplies and was a Harley enthusiast and investor in the business.
The next 10 or 12 years became a blur of overseas trips, Buying thousands of motorcycles, organisation and reorganisation and strong sales of motorcycles. While the Harley market had enjoyed growth in all parts of the world the Australian British bike market was never going to be the same. With so many bikes now in the country being ridden and restored the spare part market had exploded and was a benefit not only to K&M but to all the Australian dealers.
Around this time, the building across the road was purchased to house the extensive range of used parts and bikes awaiting restoration.
Then, in 2004, Murray and Ray decided to move on. They let it be known that they were going to sell K&M. Long time customer, and Harley mechanic, Clive Cunningham stepped up to save the business to keep servicing the riders in Adelaide, and beyond.
Retaining the original staff, building on the established reputation, K&M kept on delivering as always.
In December 2021, after 40 years in business, the landlord sold the building. At the same time, a workshop became available for lease, right across the road. So, everything was picked up and moved 50 metres north to the present location, U2 5-9 Kingston Ave. Still offering the same service since 1981, keeping the old bikes on the road.
K&M motorcycles have developed a fine reputation for quality workmanship, galvanised by their success in Drag racing, Historic road racing and lately in National level modern road racing. They enjoy a relationship with people and other dealers that is unique, and are known for their honest dealing and good back up service.