Moto SR’s Scotty Brooker knows a thing or two about motorbikes. The motorcycle
suspension specialist honed his craft while travelling the world as a race mechanic. He
worked for riding greats such as kiwi-born Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) star Paul
Whibley, Canadian motocross champion Colton Facciotti and UK off-road legend David
Knight.
While he was overseas Scotty kept in touch with his good friend Richard Ebbet, working in
his Whakatane motorcycle store during trips back to New Zealand. After ten years on the
international racing scene Scotty was ready to return home. He started working full-time for
Richard, moving to Taupō after Richard relocated the business there in 2013. “We both
loved Taupō and had a number of friends in the area, so it was a great fit” says Scotty.
Sadly, Richard passed away in 2017. After his friend’s sudden death Scotty decided to take
over Moto SR. “Part of the reason I took over the business was out of respect for Richie. This
business meant a lot to him” says Scotty.
Since then, Scotty has focused on continuing to offer his professional level of service to
customers based throughout New Zealand. “We have great relationships with our
customers. Last week I rode 3,500km around the South Island, calling in to all the
motorcycle shops to have a cup and tea and a chat. We regularly have customers visiting us
on their bikes from Auckland or the South Island to say hello and get their suspension
checked. It’s pretty awesome” he says.
Moto SR continues to grow and Scotty now employs two staff members. He has also
expanded the business to include parts, tyres and accessories. Joey, his head mechanic, is
Honda UK trained and the team can do anything from fitting tyres to rebuilding entire
engines.
Although Scotty loves working with motorcycles, he says that managing a small business has
been a lot of work. “At the end of the day I’m a mechanic. Organising accounts and
managing paperwork isn’t my strength. Over the years I’ve realised the benefit of
outsourcing, business coaching and asking others for advice. Rick Keehan and the team at
Amplify (formerly Enterprise Great Lake Taupō) have been awesome and a great support.
There’s plenty of help out there if you ask for it” he says.
