If you have ever ridden down International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach you may have noticed Robison Motorcycle Sales and Service.  It’s a small shop with a long and rich history.   The owner, Joe Robison, served as the local Harley dealer from 1962 until he sold the franchise to Bruce Rossmeyer in 1993.

Joe grew up in Warren, Ohio and at 15 years of age began racing a Harley WR45 with a hand shift.   Around the age of 19 he raced in Michigan in the Jack Pine Sportsman and even raced on the beach in Daytona!  Motorcycling was evidently in his family’s DNA as his brother owned a Harley dealership in Ohio where Joe worked. 

In 1962 Harley offered him the franchise of his own in Daytona Beach, and since his wife was originally from Florida getting her to move was an easy sell.  He first took over the dealership that was located on Bulow Road, but shortly thereafter he moved it to International Speedway Boulevard where he remains in business today.

During his 31 years as the HD dealer his shop was always active in racing.  The factory team would prep their race bikes at his shop, and many nights were spent burning the midnight oil getting ready to race.  It was common to see Joe in the pits during a race keeping things running smoothly.

My wife and I first met Joe in 1979 when the jiffy stand (that’s what a kick stand is called in the service manual) fell off of my bike.  We rode to Robison’s Harley dealership and found the street lined with every type of bike imaginable.  Joe was working behind the counter and had what I needed, along with a box of tools by the door for his customers to use.  That box of tools is still there today.  We were able to make the necessary repair and enjoy the rest of our bike week. 

Years later, after I had made the move to Central Florida, I traded in my 1975 FLH for a new 1987 Heritage at Joe's shop.  There was no appraiser, no salesman; Joe did it all.  Back then he was even his own service writer; and yes you could talk to his mechanics.  Those were the good old days.  

Long time race fans may remember when the AMA racing season began during Bike Week in March and ended in October with the Pro-Am.  When the AMA racing schedule abandoned Daytona in the fall Joe led the charge to begin what we now call Biketoberfest. 

Recently the Daytona HOG Chapter had a ride to Robison’s.  Several members had never met Joe or been to his place and were surprised at what they found.  Joe was there to greet them, and of course, hug all the ladies.  One member said, “Wow this is an old motorcycle shop.” That it is.

At the age of 83 Joe can be found there every work day, greeting customers and reminiscing about the old days.   While he’ll share motorcycle stories of all sorts the best story I heard was about how he met his wife, Angela, at a skating rink.  Yes, they are still married today.

Joe is a motorcycling legend, and a lifelong involvement with Harley-Davidson seems fitting since, after all, his birthday is July 4th.  When you are in Daytona, a stop at Robison’s is a must.  It used to be the place to get the official Bike Week T-shirt, but now customers are dealt a much different experience.  The walls of the shop are covered in photos and motorcycling memorabilia and he has a collection of antique bikes on display.  It is still a functioning motorcycle shop and they service bikes, mostly those over 10 years old, as well assisting with restorations at any stage.  If you are looking for a part to keep your old Harley on the road his grandson, Jecoa, will be happy to assist you.  They keep an inventory of new old stock, aftermarket and used parts.  If you can’t stop by in person, he can be found at www.robisonmotorcycles.com

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (6)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Hot Stuff x said:

	... So, is it Robison or Robinson?
	report abuse vote down vote up

December 31, 2010
Votes: +0

Jecoa Simmons said:

	Robison It is ROBISON "with NO N" as my grandfather would put it. A very common mistake, there is a Robinson motorcycles as well, but not sure of the history. Great article John, greatly appreciated.
	report abuse vote down vote up

January 03, 2011
Votes: +0

PHIL said:

	BIKER Great story on Joe. Living Daytona all my life I remmeber when he opened his dealership. I was high school and went to his shop weekly to see my dream, a big bad Harley-Davidson.Joe was always willing to talk with me about bikes. Although I couldn't afford to buy a Harley he help me start my love for riding.He is one of the good ones.
	report abuse vote down vote up

January 06, 2011
Votes: +0

old man garry said:

	... i had my motor rebuilt last year there and i am one happy camper,it was good to talk to joe bout the old days,since i moved here from miami robisons has been my shop of choice
	report abuse vote down vote up

January 07, 2011
Votes: +0

Robison Motorcycles said:

	... Joe still talks shop, feel free to stop in ANYTIME the doors are open. He would enjoy it greatly.
	report abuse vote down vote up

January 07, 2011
Votes: +0

Phil Hendricks said:

Phil says I used to live in Melbourne, Fla and bought a new 1973 XLCH from Joe. I wanted a black one but Joe only had blue so he had his painter paint my bike black. Well I found some blue paint under the front fender and pointed it out to Joe the next time I made it up to his shop. Joe called his painter out and said "Repaint this mans motorcycle" I always enjoyed going into Robison shop. He even had his own machine shop. Glad to see your still doing good Joe. Take it easy.

report abuse vote down vote up

February 23, 2012
Votes: +0

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment