Breakfast and Bikes at Wheels

Over breakfast at Wheels Motorcycles, three local riders shared the stories behind their lifelong passion for motorcycling. From first bikes and youthful adventures to modern-day rides, Paul, Richard and Nobby reflected on the machines, memories and friendships that have kept them on two wheels for decades.

Wheels for Breakfast and a Chat About Bikes

Following my previous visit to Wheels in Peterborough for a breakfast catch-up, I decided to return and take a closer look at why so many of my biker friends are passionate about motorcycles.

Wheels Motorcycles

Richard choosing another bike at Wheels

After enjoying another excellent breakfast and plenty of friendly conversation, Nobby, Paul and Richard kindly took me on a fascinating walk around the impressive motorcycle displays. As we wandered through the showroom, we stopped at various machines that reflected their individual tastes and favourite manufacturers.

What quickly became clear was that motorcycling is about much more than simply getting from A to B. Every bike seemed to tell a story, whether linked to performance, engineering, reliability, styling or memories of past adventures on the open road.

Stopping beside several examples from their preferred manufacturers, I asked each of them what attracted them most to motorcycles and how their riding journeys had begun.

Paul’s Story

Paul reflected on a lifetime of riding that stretches back more than six decades.

Paul said:

Paul on his first motorcycle, a 225cc James trials bike, in 1964 aged 16.

Paul on his 225cc James trials bike

Paul beside his Royal Enfield Guerrilla at Wheels Motorcycles, proudly riding again at 78 after returning to motorcycling in 2025.

Paul on his Royal Enfield Guerrilla,

“This was me on my first-ever motorcycle, a 225cc James trials bike around 1964, when I was about 16 years old.”

“When I left school, I became a Mod and rode Lambretta scooters for a few years before progressing to motorcycles. I used them mainly for travelling to work, and they were usually 250cc Hondas or Yamahas. I rode those for a long time.”

“Then I stopped riding and didn’t have a bike for a few years until March 2025, when I bought a Royal Enfield Guerrilla, which I am still riding at 78 years old.”

Richard’s Story

Richard’s motorcycling journey began in 1980 and has evolved towards comfort as much as performance.

Richard said:

Richard proudly poses with his Suzuki GT380, the three-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle he rode after passing his test in 1980.

Richard on his first bike in 1980

Richard with his 250 Suzuki

“My first motorcycle, after passing my test in 1980, was a Suzuki GT380 fitted with a three-cylinder two-stroke engine.”

“Today I rode my 250cc Suzauki down to Wheels Motorcycles, where we meet for breakfast. I like it because it is more suitable for a 64-year-old rider and offers a much more comfortable riding position.”

Nobby’s Story

Nobby’s memories go back to the early 1960s and paint a vivid picture of motorcycling in a very different era.

Nobby said:

BSA Bantam D1 125cc, a classic British motorcycle from the post-war era. — Photo credit: Courtesy of Nobby

“My first bike, bought in 1962, was a BSA Bantam D1, 125cc. It was identical to the one in the attached photo, although mine was a 1947 model. It would do about 35mph downhill, but nevertheless it was a reliable steed.”

“I then upgraded to a BSA C11 250cc and passed my test on it in 1963. I originate from near Hampton Court in South London and used to ride it back home to visit old friends. I travelled via Cambridge on the A10 because, at that speed, the A1 was rather boring. The journey took around three hours.”

Over the years Nobby owned an impressive list of motorcycles, including a BSA A7SS, BSA A10 Super Rocket, BSA Golden Flash, Triumph Bonneville, Honda Gold Wing, Triumph Thunderbird Commander, Kawasaki Vulcan and, his current favourite, a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, which he has owned since 2009.

Nobby on his Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail with his grandson riding pillion. — Nobby on his Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail with his grandson riding pillion

“A couple of the earlier bikes I built from parts,” he explained. “There used to be a large scrapyard in King’s Lynn that had motorcycles as well, and British bike parts were commonplace in the 1960s.”

“Most of the lads did the same because money was tight. There was none of this, taking your bike to the local motorcycle shop for repairs. Most of us had to learn how to fix our own machines.”

Among the photographs Nobby shared were images of biker groups from the 1960s, along with a more recent picture showing him on his Harley with his grandson riding pillion.

“I’m still riding at almost 80 years old, which is quite amazing after my misspent youth,” he laughed.

Peterborough bikers posing with their motorcycles during a group meet-up.

A Shared Passion

Listening to their stories, it became obvious that every biker has a different reason for falling in love with motorcycles. For some it is the engineering, for others the heritage, performance or sense of freedom. Yet despite their differing preferences, there was a common thread running through every conversation: a genuine passion for two wheels and the unique experiences that motorcycling brings.

My visit reinforced something I had noticed before. Wheels is not just a place to enjoy a good breakfast. It is somewhere enthusiasts can meet, exchange stories, admire beautiful machines and celebrate a shared love of motorcycling.

Perhaps that is why so many bikers keep coming back and if you would like to read a further article by Nobby about the Peterborough Bikers from yesteryear click here.