Motorcycle parts and gear shop
Open a small local shop selling parts, accessories and riding gear to riders and workshops.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
3,631 UK companies in this field, 28% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 45400 “Sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts and accessories”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small shop or unit stocking everyday parts such as chains, tyres, oils and bulbs, plus helmets, clothing and accessories. You can add a website and offer to order in parts you don't hold.
Your first three steps
- Check your area for riders, workshops and existing shops, and shortlist affordable units
- Open accounts with trade distributors and agree a starter stock list and terms
- Plan opening stock and pricing, and offer trade accounts to local workshops before you open
Who pays
Local riders and commuters, and nearby independent repair workshops that need parts quickly.
How it makes money
Markup on parts, accessories and gear, plus regular trade sales to workshops. Order-in service and fitting advice help bring customers back.
Skills that help
- Strong motorcycle and parts knowledge
- Stock buying and control
- Customer service and sales
Watch out for
- Shop rent, business rates and a lease are big commitments, so check the costs and terms carefully and whether any reliefs apply
- Stock is a large upfront cost and slow sellers tie up cash
- Check product standards for safety items such as helmets, and what advice you can give on fitting
- Public liability, stock and product liability insurance, and employer's liability if you hire
- Check planning use class for the premises with your council
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: motorcycle parts and gear shop
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a motorcycle parts shop?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on shop rent and lease terms, and how much stock you buy upfront. Stock is a large part of the cost, so these figures are estimates only.
How much revenue can a motorcycle parts and gear shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on location, stock range and how many riders and workshops you serve. Revenue is before rent, stock and other costs.
What should I check before opening a motorcycle parts shop?
Check shop rent, business rates and lease terms, and whether any reliefs apply. Also check the planning use class with your council, product standards for safety items such as helmets, and insurance including public liability and employer's liability if you hire.
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