Shock end for top Masterton bike shop

A Masterton company that was among New Zealand's top motorcycle shops has folded after more than 30 years in business.

Dave Anderson Ltd, trading under the name Dave Anderson Motorcycles, went into liquidation yesterday.

Doors were shut at the Queen St business, with a sign on the front window confirming the closure.

Liquidator Andrew Croad did not return calls, and business owner Dave Anderson could not be reached for comment. It's not known how many employees were affected by the closure.

Companies office records show Mr Anderson is joint director and shareholder with Jane Anderson. He has been selling Suzuki motorcycles in Wairarapa since 1976, moving to Masterton from Martinborough in 1984. The shop relocated to its existing site at the top of Queen St in 2005.

Suzuki New Zealand reacted to the announcement with shock.

"It's long been one of our top 10 dealers in the country, and we're very sad to hear it," said Suzuki NZ general marketing manager Tom Peck.

"It's a surprise to all of us - it's a very big loss."

Longtime Masterton dealer Grant Langland, owner of Langlands Honda Motorcycles, also expressed surprise.

Mr Langland said ATVs and quadbikes were the "nuts and bolts" of motorcycle retailing in Wairarapa and trade over the past 12 months had been encouraging after some tough years.

"I was really surprised to hear about the liquidation and I guess that'll make us the last man standing."