In 1971, Don Basinger Jr. found himself racing motocross on a Suzuki TM 400. Lacking the funds for repairs, he often worked on the bike under his carport after his shift at Peterbilt of Smithfield. Having worked as a mechanic at Caterpillar in Charlotte and alongside his father at his shop, Don quickly developed a skill for repairing bikes. What started as a personal hobby soon turned into a growing business. By 1973, Don had moved his operation into a rented building in Smithfield, NC, and officially opened D&J Cycle Center.
The early days were spent selling used motorcycles from brands like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Bultaco, and Maico. In 1985, after spotting an ad for Polaris, Don reached out to the company and became their first dealer in North Carolina. This was the beginning of D&J Cycle Center’s long-standing relationship with Polaris, making it the oldest Polaris dealer in the state today.
Don’s focus has always been on building lasting relationships with the people in the community. Over the years, D&J Cycle Center has donated to local causes, including Christmas gifts for children, back-to-school programs, and organizations supporting injured riders. The joy of meeting new people and leaving customers leave satisfied has always been the heart of the business.
Don recalls an early experience when D&J Cycle Center first became a Hodaka dealer. New bikes would often arrive weeks before the titles, which made selling them tricky. In North Carolina, it’s illegal to sell a bike without the title, but Don, eager to see customers satisfied, would often go ahead anyway. One day, the DMV showed up, placed a chain on the shop’s door, and shut them down. “At the time, it wasn’t funny, but now I can laugh about it,” he says.
For Grey Basinger, Don’s son and second-generation owner, the most rewarding aspect of work is continuing customer relationships his father started decades ago and seeing the children of former customers return. Grey is committed to carrying on his father’s work and upholding the trust their business has built.
Clayton, NC, is a prime location for powersports with its vast, open spaces and accessible trails. The area’s natural landscape offers an excellent environment for ATV riding, motocross, and more, making it a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy off-road adventures.
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