James Sherlock

James Sherlock, an independent BMW motorcycle parts specialist in Devon

James Sherlock Ltd is an independent supplier of new and used BMW motorcycle parts based at Horsepond Business Park in South Molton, Devon. The company presents itself as one of the largest retailers in its segment, stating that it sells more than 15,000 parts per year, and describes its activity as supplying genuine components to BMW riders and workshops. Its catalogue covers both replacement parts for routine maintenance and items intended to keep a motorcycle performing at its best.

The business began in 1987, according to its own account, working from a garden shed: parcels were taken to the village post office in a wheelbarrow while James attended college, and an early catalogue was produced on the vicar's photocopier. The company frames its continuity around the same principle it applied then, the right parts at a fair price delivered quickly, now supported by an online catalogue instead of a paper one.

Used spares and dismantled motorcycles

Second-hand motorcycle spares remain, in the company's words, at the core of the business. James Sherlock reports dismantling more BMW motorcycles now than at any previous time, with models ranging from the 1970s up to the latest generations. Used parts are offered with up to six months warranty, and the firm notes that many of the machines it dismantles have covered very few miles; it cites three miles as its record for a donor bike.

Model coverage in the parts catalogue

The shop is organised by BMW model families, which gives a clear picture of the range handled:

• Air-cooled twins: R45, R50, R60, R65, R75, R80, R90 and R100
• K75, K100, K1100 and K1200
• R850, R1100, R1150 and Cruiser
• R1200, K1200, K1300, K1600 and ATF R1200/1250
• F650 single-cylinder models
• F800S, F800ST, F800GT and F800R

Beyond model-specific sections, the catalogue groups tyres, tubes and other parts, manuals, chargers, tools and accessories, bulbs and fuses, and a miscellaneous category. A further division by component type covers brakes, chassis and bodywork, clutch, electricals, engine parts, exhausts, fuel tanks, gearbox, lighting, luggage, oils and fluids, suspension, tools and accessories, and tyres and wheels. The range is also browsable by riding segment: Adventure, Heritage, Roadster, Touring and Sport bikes.

Interactive catalogue and part identification

The company publishes an interactive parts catalogue that can be browsed page by page, zoomed for product detail and opened in fullscreen mode. It also offers support for customers who are unsure which component they need, inviting them to contact the team for help identifying the correct part.

Servicing and repairs

Alongside parts sales, James Sherlock runs a servicing and repairs operation. The company argues that a BMW need not go to a main agent to be properly serviced, and points to time-served mechanics with more than 25 years of BMW experience, much of it gained within the same franchise networks the business now positions itself against.

Stock examples and customer feedback

The site's product listings at the time of writing included used machines such as a 1963 BMW R69S with 3,281 miles, a 2015 R1200 RS with 23,536 miles, a 2011 R1200 GS with 35,272 miles and several 2002 R1150 GS models with mileages between 19,313 and 29,163. The company also states that it accepts returns and values customer feedback; the reviews displayed on its site, attributed to James Sherlock LTD, showed an average of 4.8 from 327 reviews, with comments referring to fast dispatch, protective packaging and the condition of used parts.

Shipping and company details

James Sherlock describes fast, secure shipping throughout the UK and internationally. The company is registered in England under company number 5238269 and gives VAT number 510 6162 91. It also publishes a newsletter for riders covering new parts, product launches and maintenance tips.