BILLY’S MOTORCYCLES TRAINING CENTRE

Billy’s Motorcycles have teamed up with experienced instructor Ben Wright to launch Billy’s Motorcycle Training in Pulborough. AAH visited the centre to find out more…

EXTRA GEARS

Billy’s Motorcycles was founded in 2019 by childhood friends Ashley Brunt and Charlie Sheppard, who both live in Billingshurst. Ash, a skilled mechanic, inherited a passion for bikes from his father, who raced on the national circuit. Charlie – also a keen motorcyclist – had previously worked in IT and sales. So, they combined their skills to launch their own business. 

Having started from a workshop in Ash’s garden, Billy’s Motorcycles is now based at Codmore Hill, between Billingshurst and Pulborough. The showroom stocks a wide range of second-hand motorcycles, from 50cc mopeds and 125cc bikes ideal for beginners, to sports bikes, scramblers, tourers, roadsters and customised cruisers. The servicing side has grown too, with Billy’s taking on a second unit to create more space for repairs and MOTs. 

Charlie said: ‘In the early days, the scales tipped slightly towards sales, but economic uncertainty caused a decline in demand and instead the servicing side grew, with riders keen to keep bikes on the road. We’re fortunate to have these two arms to the business, as both contribute to our success. Now, we have diversified again, by offering motorcycle storage and through the launch of a DVSA-approved training centre.’

TRAINING SCHOOL

It was one of Billy’s customers, Ben Wright, who mooted the idea of a training school. Although he lives locally, Ben was previously an instructor at a training school in Mitcham, South London. Spotting a gap in the market, he discussed the idea of establishing a centre closer to home with the help of the Billy’s team. 

Ben said: ‘Ashley is very forward when it comes to business, and after I had tentatively suggested the idea on a couple of occasions, he said, “Right, let’s have a proper chat!” We sat down and sorted everything out.  It has been great to have their support, especially on the servicing side. Training schools always encounter problems, such as broken brake levers, as trainees sometimes drop a bike before they learn how to handle them properly. 

‘Last week, a training bike suffered an electrical fault as we were riding through Dorking High Street. My first priority was to get the student safely home, which I did. Ash picked up the bike immediately and fixed it that same afternoon, so it was ready for the trainee to ride the very next day. Such support is invaluable, as it’s important for new riders to use a bike that they’re comfortable with throughout their training.

‘The support of Billy’s Motorcycles also means we can offer a wide range of bikes at the training centre. We have everything from 50cc mopeds to a Suzuki GSX, with automatic and manual bikes available. By working with Billy’s, we can also provide bikes to suit people of every shape and size, so they can ride in comfort. This also gives people a good idea as to what kind of bike suits them, and hopefully they will find the perfect bike in the Billy’s showroom once they’ve passed their test.’

IDYLLIC ROUTES

Billy’s Motorcycle Training is located half a mile from Billy’s Motorcycles, in a concreted area close to Sainsbury’s. It’s a small school, with space for four students, as well as a cabin where students and instructors can relax and discuss the training. 

It offers one or two-day Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), required before you can legally ride on UK roads (on a 125cc motorcycle, or 50cc moped for those aged 16). The centre also offers a pre-CBT course, providing a gentler introduction to motorcycling. For some, gaining a CBT licence (A1) is enough, although it needs to be renewed every two years. However, for most, it’s a stepping stone to a full license, with BMT offering the A2 licence (up to 47bhp) and the Full A licence (Unrestricted), both of which require riders to pass Module 1 (off-road manoeuvres) and Module 2 (on-road assessments). Instructors provide clear guidance to students via Bluetooth communication devices.  

For instructor Ben Wright, wife Laura (who handles administration) and trainee instructor Amba Jai Dixon, Pulborough is the ideal location. ‘It’s a lovely place to learn to ride,’ said Ben. ‘You can turn out of the centre and ride through Amberley, Arundel and towards the coast without being constantly delayed by traffic. It’s a scenic route and gives new riders plenty of riding experience. Although there are established training centres elsewhere in Sussex and Surrey, there was a large area in the Horsham District without one. Pulborough may not have a huge population, but we find that people are travelling from further afield to enjoy the rural routes we offer, and to avoid waiting lists elsewhere.’

SAFE STORAGE 

The new training centre has coincided with the opening of a new motorcycle storage service, which further complements the business.

Charlie said: ‘Over the years, many customers have enquired about storage and now we can offer that service with a new, purpose-built unit. Many owners don’t have enough garage space for bikes yet are keen to avoid leaving them outside in winter, as even under cover they’re at risk from the elements. There’s peace of mind from knowing a bike is safe and secure. Once spring rolls around, we can bring the bike out, give it a service and MOT if required, and you can enjoy riding. It’s another small way we can help people continue their passion for motorcycling.’

Further information: For Billy’s Motorcycle Training, visit: www.billysmt.co.uk

Visit Billy’s Motorcycles at Stane Farm, Stane Street, Codmore Hill, RH20 1BL. Visit: www.billysmotorcycles.co.uk

Published in the June 2026 edition of AAH Magazine. Photos: Alan Wright Photography/Words: Ben Morris