Redline Powersports Has Plans for Winsted

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

The former home of Canton Cycles in Winsted may soon house another motorcycle business. Shannon Fry, who used to work for Canton Cycles, is moving forward with plans to open Redline Powersports in what was the dealer’s showroom at 70 S. Main Street.

Canton Cycles closed in October 2010, but Fry is hoping to have Redline Powersports open by March 1. The business will sell new motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. It will also service Japanese-made bikes and sell used bikes on consignment.

“I’m trying to do everything right and do everything proper,” said Fry, who is currently awaiting approval of the planning and zoning commission for her business. Redline Powersports will occupy the upstairs of the building, above Morsel Munk.

Fry said she will stock name brands, such as HJC helmets and Weise and Tourmaster riding gear. She said will also be able to order brands that aren’t on display. She also said she has already hired a service technician who used to work for Midtown Kawasaki in Rocky Hill.

Unlike Canton Cycles, which had its service department in the building’s lower level at the rear, Redline Powersports’ service area will be adjacent to the showroom at street level. “We had to put in doors to separate the shop from the showroom,” Fry said, adding that otherwise “everything is pretty much ship-shape.”

The fact that the building once housed a motorcycle dealership will be a benefit as well as the lack of competition in the area. “There’s really no other place, except Strictly Dirt (in Canton), that’s a motorcycle shop in this area,” she said Friday.

Meglin Properties owns the building and company owner Edward “Moose” Dzielak is helping Redline Powersports get up and running. “We’re working with her to get this going as soon as possible,” Dzielak said.

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