THE

CYCLE SPECIALTIES STORY

Cycle Specialties BMW is the result of one man’s love for motorcycles. It began back in the 1960s, when John Wienholz was just 14 and visiting his uncle in rural Nevada. During that trip, John rode a bike for the first time—a Honda 90—and a lifelong love of motorcycles was born. Back home in California, he started mowing lawns to save money for a bike of his own, a goal he reached a year later when he bought a 1965 Honda 160 for about $300. When the Honda needed a new clutch, John took it to Cycle Specialties, at that time a small shop located on 8th Street in Modesto. The $89.00 repair bill caused John to go out and buy his own motorcycle repair book, which he still has today.

Soon, friends were asking John to work on their bikes, and he took over his parents’ garage with repair work, going to Cycle Specialties for the parts he needed. Finally, Cycle Specialties owner Ralph Silvias asked 17-year-old John if he’d like to come to work for him. John said yes, and went to work for Ralph while he began his pre-engineering courses at Modesto Junior College. During his second year of college, while he was taking a particularly tough Calculus course, Ralph asked John if he would be interested in buying the business. John, faced with the choice between calculus or motorcycles, chose the latter. He took out a small bank loan and, in 1971, became the owner of Cycle Specialties.

The shop   moved   to 301 Maze Blvd. in 1969, then into the larger space next door at 307 Maze in 1983. Initially, Cycle Specialties was a source for salvage parts, new and used accessories, service on all makes of bikes, and custom-built bikes. In 1990, Cycle Specialties became an authorized BMW dealer, and by about 2000, the decision was made to sell and service exclusively BMW motorcycles.

Today, Cycle Specialties has grown to become the Central Valley's premier source of BMW Motorcycles, Parts, Service and Apparel. Recognized by BMW in 2004 as one of the top 5 service centers in the country, Cycle Specialties prides itself in providing superior service for your BMW motorcycle.  

 In 2007 Cycle Specialties added Vespa and Piaggio scooters and in 2008 Triumph motorcycles just adding to the fun at the store.  In 2009 we are now in our new store at 1201 North Carpenter Road in Modesto.

John and his wife of thirty three years Chris love to share rides with customers and friends.   They do monthly shop rides and once a year do an extended ride some where in the world, join the fun.

SALES MANAGER

GAIL WEAVER

Gail has been a Cycle Specialties employee for two and a half years, increasing the impact motorcycles have on his life, as well as, the customers'.  For 20 years, Gail has been in love with the thrill, adventure, and friendships motorcycles bring.  Since his first dirt bike ride his dad took him on at age 17, riding has meant the world to him and sharing that with everyone he encounters is his favorite part of being a Cycle Specialties employee.

PARTS SHIPPING AND RECEIVING

KELLY NORBY

Kelly first entered the motorcycle world three years ago when his brother, and one time parts manager, Corey, introduced him to the joy of riding.  His love for the open road has grown ever since.  Kelly has been a part of the Cycle Specialties team for five years now, passing along that love everyday.  The smiling faces he experiences on a daily basis and the satisfaction of helping others, keeps him coming back for more.

THE NEW TRIUMPH STORE MANAGER

DIRK PAINTEDMAN

Dirk knew he had a love for motorcycles the minute he saw a biker riding along side his car at the age of six.   He has since fallen in love with the rush and the sense of fulfillment he receives when he rides.  Dirk has been a rider for over 25 years, sharing 14 of those years with Cycle Specialties.  He feels Cycle Specialties is a great place to be a part of because of the freedom to excel or fail, helping us develop and grow.

TECHNICIAN

 JOHN HAYWOOD

50 years of riding seems like a long time, but it's not enough for John.   John, who started riding with his grandfather at the age of six, developed a love for motorcycles that is still strong today.   The freedom he feels and the love of engines has brought him to Cycle Specialties for 21 years.   The bond he has developed with the owner has made working at Cycle Specialties worth while.   John is a Certified Master Technician, achieving the highest rank available by BMW.   He is one of few with this honor.

TECHNICIAN

JUSTIN GRAY

Justin is another one of few Certified Master Technicians.  Having finished every school BMW offers, he is more than qualified to be part of Cycle Specialties.  Justin received his first bike, an ATV, at the age of five.  He is proud to pass on four generations of love for riding to his family, friends, and customers.  Being an employee of Cycle Specialties for 13 years, Justin has grown to love all the friendly people that surround him daily, giving him the chance to share his 24 years of riding experience with all who come in.

TECHNICIAN

DANIEL MARTINEZ

Daniel is our newest technician at Cycle Specialties, with four years of experience and training under his belt.   Not yet a Certified Master Technician, he is well on his way to becoming one.   Daniel has now reached Advanced Technician status and specializes in Vespas and Piaggios.   His love for the adventure that riding brings has been his motivation throughout the years.   First started in Arizona, Daniel's love for motorcycles has brought him to our Service Department to help serve you.   He wouldn't be anywhere near where he is today without the help of  his mentors, the two Master Technicians, who supply him with outstanding knowledge each day.

OFFICE MANAGER

JENNY SCHIEFERSTEIN

Jenny is the "behind the scenes" girl at Cycle Specialties.  She is the keeper of the files and queen of DMV paperwork.  Jenny has been at Cycle Specialties for two years and awaits many more wonderful years here.  With her love of working with numbers, processing DMV, and assisting the finance manager, she is well suited for her job.  Jenny, with her detail oriented self, enjoys teaching her assistant and anyone else new things.  It's her fellow employees and her boss that motivate her every morning to come to work.

SERVICE MANAGER

RICK MILLER

Rick first noticed the convenient location, but it was the friendliness of his fellow employees which has kept him working at Cycle Specialties.   Our newest employee, he is more than qualified for his position.   Rick, who has been riding for over 30 years due to his parents' influences, has been a part of the motorcycle industry for six years.   We are glad to have him here and we are looking forward to the years to come.

PARTS MANAGER

NICHOLE STARKEY

Nichole has been influenced by motorcycles her whole life.   From the first time she ever went quading with her family, she has fallen in love with the adrenaline rush she receives everytime she rides.  Nichole has only worked here for a short while, her knowledge and kindness has been the perfect fit for working with the Cycle Specialties customers.  The friendly atmosphere in which she works has convinced her to stay close and become highly educated in her professional area, giving her the ability to provide the best help possible.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

JENELLE COREY

Jenelle is our youngest employee at Cycle Specialties.   New to the world of motorcycles, she is in the process of developing a love for them.   Her creative enthusiasm and proficiency have been especially helpful in composing our photo album, constructing new website pages, calculating payroll, and much more.   Jenelle also enjoys the many facets of her position.  One day may be spent filing and doing data entry.  Another day we may find her helping Dirk or working on a project with John "the Boss."  Jenelle's bubbly personality is often contagious to those around her and we are proud to have her on our team.  Her long term goal is to become a pediatric surgeon, and we wish her the best of luck.