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The History of Murphys Motorcycle Company

What began as one man’s vision to create something entirely unique in his old home town, the Murphys Motorcycle Company is now a flourishing full service retail store that is a top draw for locals and visitors alike.
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When Tony Manuel, his wife Teri Thieme, and his good friend John Harris first established the business in August 2006, their mission was to share their love for motorcycle sports, the industry, the riders and the lifestyle with their community and all those who visited their store. Passionate about V-Twin’s and all things vintage, they created a logo and a business that was a continuation of an era long since passed. Tony had grown up in Murphys and saw the small, quaint town as the ideal location for a custom motorcycle shop that specialized in high quality, retro merchandise that was both tasteful and affordable.

The varied background of the owners has lead to an eclectic mix of services and products, creating a loyal following of customers who never visit Murphys without first stopping in at the Murphys Motorcycle Company. Tony sadly passed away in February of 2007. However, his passion for all things motorcycle and his determination to always find and produce the best continues to thrive at 425 Main Street Murphys.

Teri sold the store to Tony’s cousin, Brian Inks, and his wife Jo Anna in 2011. It was very important for Teri to keep the store ‘in the family.” Brian’s passion for motorcycles and Jo Anna’s back round in the retail business made for an ideal fit. The store is constantly evolving, showcasing an impressive array of new items and old favorites to suit a variety of needs and budgets. For the next 6 years Jo and Brian created an atmosphere that was warm and inviting, treating all customers as an extension of their family. For them it is a labor of love they wish to share with visitors, their neighbors, and the community as a whole.
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As Jo and Brian’s family grew, they felt the need to have more time together. Jo knew that if she sold the business it would have to go to someone local that would love and care for it as she has for all these years. After witnessing the passion Dawn Beck had for the Murphy’s area, Jo was certain the store would be in good hands with her. Stop by on your next trip through town and see why so many people are talking about the small store with a big heart – we would love to meet you!

Meet Tony May 3, 1964 – Feb 3, 2007
Tony Manuel was, and still remains, the heart and soul of the Murphys Motorcycle Company. Born in Calaveras County in 1964, Tony always had a special love and affinity towards his hometown of Murphys. Spending endless summers riding his bike along Main Street, camping up at Big Trees with his family, going barefoot water-skiing at Melones with friends. These were memories that Tony always held dear, and memories that he wanted to share with those he loved.
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At an early age Tony discovered his love for the motorcycle and became fascinated by the mechanics and artistry behind these beautiful machines. As he grew, Tony became an excellent craftsmen and builder, and eventually settled in Clovis, CA where he worked for his friend Danny Gray helping to design and build custom motorcycle seats. For 10 years Tony honed his craft, and soon he had established a reputation for excellence and quality in all of the work he produced. While in Clovis Tony met the love of his life, Teri Thieme, and immediately began to share with her his passion for the open road, the V-Twin engine, and his hometown of Murphys.

Tony and Teri began to dream about the day when they could both move to Murphys and make a living doing what they loved most. In May 2005 their dream became a reality, and shortly after their move Tony started his own custom motorcycle seat business in downtown Murphys called Main Street Customs. Tony took all of the skills that he had learned over the years and along with his own creative eye became a perfectionist when it came to designing and building for many prominent bike builders. Some of his custom seats can be found on bikes belonging to people as famous as Keith Urban, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry.

In August 2006 Tony, his good friend John Harris, and Teri opened the Murphys Motorcycle Company. Tony saw it as the perfect venue to showcase custom bikes that he and John had built and offer motorcycling enthusiasts cool, vintage merchandise that reflected his hometown roots. Tragically, Tony passed away just 6 months after the grand opening of the store in a tractor accident at his home. However, his vision and passion for the business he left behind has continued through the efforts of his beloved wife and dear friend. Although Tony is no longer a physical part of the Murphys Motorcycle Company, his memory and efforts live on with the continued success of the business – a testament to a life that was well lived and certainly well loved.