The Catlin Kustom Cycles family, from left: Jeremy, Julie, Nick, and Zebo Catlin.

As fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, Rick and Teresa Catlin were overjoyed five years ago when they were given an opportunity to purchase a motorcycle shop on the Boulevard in Colonial Heights. The Catlins were luckier than most, however: this year, they’re getting a chance to open a second location.

The Chester location of Catlin Kustom Cycles opened September 9 in the Phoenix Building on West Hundred Rd., and the Catlins promise that new customers can expect the same down-home family atmosphere that Colonial Heights customers have been experiencing for the past five years.

“We like to think of our customers as family,” says finance manager Julie Catlin. “Where else can you work and have your customers stop by just to eat lunch with you? Some of them even bring lunch to you!” The family atmosphere, she says, has made Catlin Kustom Cycles a favorite stopping-by place for folks in the area.

In 2004, Catlin Kustom Cycles picked up the exclusive Victory Motorcycle Dealership. Though the brand has not quite gained popular name recognition yet, it’s becoming more and more familiar each year. “People are very impressed when they see the bikes for the first time,” Catlin says. “We’re excited about offering this tremendous brand, which will celebrate its tenth year in 2009. The new Victory Vision Touring Bike, which reflects more than seven years of research and development, is making its debut, and it’s an amazing machine!” Known as “The New American Motorcycle,” the Victory Line is considered the most American-made motorcycle on the market today.

These days, Catlin is seeing more customers due to high gas prices. “People are interested in looking at bikes because of their gas mileage,” Julie Catlin explains. “You can get anywhere from 42 to 50 miles per gallon on one.”

In addition to motorcycle sales, Catlin Kustom Cycles also services Victory and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Service, according to Catlin, makes up about 50 percent of the business.

As the Catlin family has grown up in the area, they find it important to support community events and causes. “Whether it’s door prizes, gift cards, or helping to organize special benefits, it’s something we want to do because it’s the right thing to do,” Catlin says.

Now open for business in their new location, the Catlins are readying their grand opening celebration, to be held Wednesday, September 24 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Victory Hauler will be at the celebration doing demo rides on their 2009 models; K-95 and 96.5 The Planet will be doing live radio remotes; and the Catlins will have food and giveaways. “Come out and see us!” says Julie Catlin.

The new Catlin Kustom Cycles is located at 705 W. Hundred Rd. and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 425-9744.

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