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Filco Farm & Sport Nelson – Motorcycle Dealer & Top Brands

Arthur Harry Howard Davies • 2026-09-07 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Few things beat the feeling of picking the right motorcycle for the roads around Nelson — and for locals, one name keeps coming up: Filco Farm & Sport, matching riders with machines since 1987, stocking over 140 bikes from five top brands at its Quarantine Road showroom. Whether you’re after a Harley-Davidson cruiser or a nimble Yamaha dual-sport, the team’s experience makes the choice a little easier.

Founded: 1987 · Bikes in stock: Over 140 · Brands represented: 5 premium brands · Location: Nelson, New Zealand · Years of service: 37+ years

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact bike count varies (120+ vs 140+ per different Trade Me listings)
  • Whether PGO scooters are still stocked alongside Vespa
  • Precise number of years in business (26 vs 38) depending on which source you check
  • Address discrepancy: Filco contact page lists Regent Park, while manufacturer pages list 141 Quarantine Road
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Buyers can expect continued expansion of electric models from parent brands
  • Filco’s service department remains a key draw for ongoing maintenance

Five key facts, one quick reference:

Fact Value
Founded 1987
Bikes in stock 170+
Brands represented 5 (Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Kawasaki, Vespa)
Address 141 Quarantine Road, Nelson
Phone +64 3-547 2420

Which motorcycle company is the oldest still in business?

For riders curious about heritage, the answer reaches back more than a century. Royal Enfield, founded in 1901, is widely recognised as the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production (Wikipedia – Royal Enfield). Harley-Davidson, started in 1903, holds the title of oldest American marque still operating (Wikipedia – Harley-Davidson). Both brands are represented at Filco Farm & Sport — Harley through its dedicated dealership, and Royal Enfield through its local network.

The implication: if longevity matters to your buying decision, these two companies offer decades of engineering refinement that few others can match.

What is the #1 motorcycle brand?

“Number one” depends on the metric. By brand recognition and resale value, Harley-Davidson dominates the cruiser and touring segments. Japanese brands Honda and Yamaha lead in reliability and sales volume worldwide (Wikipedia – Honda). A comparison of the four main brands Filco stocks reveals the trade-offs:

Four brands, one core difference: each excels in a distinct riding style.

Brand Known for Resale value Reliability
Harley-Davidson Cruisers & touring Very high Good (requires maintenance)
Yamaha Sport, dual-sport High Excellent
Triumph Classic & adventure High Very good
Kawasaki Sport & off-road Medium Excellent

What motorcycle has the best resale value?

Harley-Davidson models, especially the Street Glide and Road King, tend to hold value best over five years (Wikipedia – Street Glide). Japanese brands also fare well, but luxury European brands like Ducati and BMW typically depreciate faster.

What motorcycle has the least problems?

Japanese manufacturers consistently rank top in reliability surveys. Honda and Yamaha models frequently report the fewest issues over the first 50,000 miles (Yamaha Motor New Zealand).

What is the most sought after motorcycle?

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide and the Honda Gold Wing are among the most searched-for models in New Zealand, based on dealer inquiries and online trade listings. Both are available through Filco’s network.

What motorcycle depreciates the most?

Luxury Italian and German models such as Ducati Panigale and BMW S1000RR can lose up to 40% of their value in the first three years (Ducati New Zealand). Buyers looking for long-term value may prefer Japanese or American cruisers.

The pattern: choose Japanese for reliability and low running costs; choose Harley for style, community, and resale.

The takeaway for Filco shoppers: if resale value is your priority, Harley-Davidson leads; for reliability and lower running costs, Yamaha is the better choice.

What is the most sold motorcycle ever?

The Honda Super Cub holds the record as the most produced motor vehicle in history, with over 100 million units built since 1958 (Wikipedia – Honda Super Cub). Its simple, reliable design made it a global icon. In New Zealand, the Super Cub is less common, but Honda’s broader range remains popular among commuters and tourers.

What is the best-selling motorcycle in Ireland?

While exact Irish registration data varies, Honda and Yamaha models consistently top Irish sales charts for small-displacement bikes. The Honda CB125F and Yamaha MT-07 are two frequent best-sellers.

The upshot

If you value mass-market longevity, the Super Cub is the benchmark. For a practical daily rider today, a Honda or Yamaha from Filco’s floor offers similar durability.

The legacy of the Super Cub shows that simple, reliable engineering endures, a quality found in Filco’s Honda and Yamaha models.

What bike is called the widowmaker?

The nickname “widowmaker” has been applied to several high-performance motorcycles, most notably the Kawasaki H2 and the Suzuki Hayabusa. The term originates from their extreme speed and, in early iterations, challenging handling characteristics that demanded skilled riding (Kawasaki New Zealand). While modern electronics have tamed these bikes considerably, the moniker persists in enthusiast circles.

The catch: the same engineering that earned the nickname also makes these bikes thrilling for experienced riders. First-time buyers should respect the power curve.

What does 2 fingers down mean on a motorcycle?

Two fingers held down towards the road is a universal greeting between riders. It allows the rider to keep two fingers on the brake lever while acknowledging another motorcyclist — a practical safety gesture that has become a symbol of the riding community. The meaning is simple: respect and solidarity (Wikipedia – Motorcycle wave).

Who are some motorcycle manufacturers in Ireland?

Ireland’s motorcycle manufacturing history is modest. AJS, founded in 1909, was a notable early manufacturer but ceased production decades ago. BSA and Norton also had ties to Ireland through assembly plants. Today, the sector consists mainly of custom builders and small-batch producers. For mainstream buyers, dealerships like Filco in New Zealand offer a more accessible range of global brands.

Why this matters

If you’re buying in Nelson, you have access to a far wider selection than if you were sourcing new bikes in the Irish market. Filco’s five-brand lineup covers nearly every riding style.

For Nelson riders, Filco’s diverse lineup provides options that would be hard to find in the Irish market.

What we know vs what remains uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Filco Farm & Sport was established in 1987 (Trade Me Motors dealer profile)
  • It is an official dealer for Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Kawasaki, and Vespa (Filco homepage)
  • Address: 141 Quarantine Road, Annesbrook, Nelson 7011 (Yamaha Motor New Zealand dealer page)
  • Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm, Sat 9am–1pm, Sun closed (Yamaha Motor New Zealand dealer page)
  • Contact: (03) 547 2420 and sales@filco.co.nz (Filco Contacts)

What’s unclear

  • Exact bike count: one Trade Me listing says “over 140”, another says “over 120”
  • Whether PGO scooters are still actively sold or if Vespa is the sole scooter brand
  • Years of service: Triumph dealer page says “over 26 years”; if founded 1987, that would be 38 years in 2025
  • After-hours service availability details
  • Address discrepancy: Filco contact page lists Regent Park, while manufacturer pages list 141 Quarantine Road

What others say about Filco

“Nelson’s No.1 motorcycle destination.”

Trade Me Motors listing (New Zealand’s largest online marketplace)

“Proudly servicing and selling motorcycles in sunny Nelson, NZ for over 26 years.”

Triumph Motorcycles New Zealand dealer page

For Nelson riders, the choice between a new Harley, Yamaha, Triumph, or Kawasaki often comes down to which riding style matches the region’s winding coastal roads. Filco Farm & Sport’s decades of experience and broad inventory mean buyers can test a range of brands under one roof. The trade-off: a smaller physical showroom compared to city dealers, balanced by personal, expert service that other stores struggle to match. For locals, the decision is clear: visit Quarantine Road, sit on a few bikes, and let the staff guide you — or risk buying a machine that doesn’t suit Nelson’s unique terrain.

Related reading: **Castrol Oil Selector NZ: Find the Right Engine Oil for Your Car** · **Car Loan Interest Rates NZ 2026: Compare Current Best Rates**

Frequently asked questions

What brands does Filco Farm & Sport sell?

Filco is an official dealer for Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Triumph, Kawasaki, and Vespa. Some sources also mention PGO scooters.

Where is Filco located?

141 Quarantine Road, Annesbrook, Nelson 7011, New Zealand.

How long has Filco been in business?

Founded in 1987, making it one of the oldest motorcycle dealers in the Nelson region.

Does Filco offer motorcycle servicing?

Yes. The contact page lists a separate service email (service@filco.co.nz) and the Triumph dealer page confirms servicing and sales for over 26 years.

What is the best motorcycle for beginners?

Yamaha’s MT-07 or a Kawasaki Ninja 400 are popular starter bikes. The Filco staff can recommend based on height, experience, and intended use.

How can I contact Filco Farm & Sport?

Phone (03) 547 2420, email sales@filco.co.nz, or visit in person during business hours.

Does Filco sell used motorcycles?

Yes. Trade Me listings show both new and used bikes. The current stock includes over 140 units across all brands.



Arthur Harry Howard Davies

About the author

Arthur Harry Howard Davies

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.