Blue Collar Cycles – The Success Behind a Dream
Brandon McNeely and his staff aren’t just selling and repairing motorcycles. Brandon says, “We are selling culture and community, we’re offering a gateway to the brotherhood and sisterhood of the motorcycle community.” It’s easy to believe Brandon as the shop has a welcoming, authentic feel to it and is very involved with the community. “We support the military and veterans in our community through our support of Operation Decisive Victory and in other ways.” Brandon is also considering a run for city council as another way to give back to the community.
Brandon’s shop, Blue Collar Cycles has been in operation since 2019 after a life-altering event changed his course in life. After working his way up from restaurant dishwasher to chef to multiple restaurant owner, Brandon was diagnosed with a heart problem and received a heart transplant in 2016. After the transplant he decided “life was too short not to pursue your dreams” and began working on Harley Davidson motorcycles on the side before opening the shop. Brandon has been tinkering on motorcycles since he was a kid encouraged by his grandfather, himself an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Brandon’s first bike was an old Shovelhead he got at around age 16. “You have to learn to work on bikes if you’re going to ride one of those,” Brandon stated.
Blue Collar Cycles now employs 7 people including service technicians and sales staff offering complete motorcycle service and used motorcycle sales. Brandon takes pride in sharing his story and encourages others to pursue their dreams. “No reason to hate your life, take the big step and pursue your dreams,” he says. “We’ve encouraged at least 6-8 of our customer community to take the step and start their own business. Every one of them is doing great, from landscapers to carpenters.”
Blue Collar Cycles trusts ContiTour
The Continental ContiTour is the tire of choice for Blue Collar Cycles having tried most other tire brands covering the V Twin market. The shop sells a lot of 21” front wheel kits for Harley Touring models and they all are fitted with the 120/70B21 ContiTour. According to Brandon, “The ContiTour 21” tires wear nice and even with no cupping, unlike other 21” tires we’ve tried. We’ve also tested the 150 and 180 width ContiTour against the competition, and we think the ContiTour has better longevity and comfort than other brands. It’s also easier to mount which saves time in the shop.”
If you live in the Salisbury, NC area or are just passing through be sure to check out Blue Collar Cycles at 1017 Old West Innes Street. There you can get your Harley serviced or customized or if you don’t already have one you can buy one and ride it home.