Eagle bikes set to soar
AFTER years in the civil service, Clive Hines said his job became an exercise in boredom. He wanted something different.
“It became so monotonous,” he said.
He tried renting cars, but that tanked. He put a cab on the road, that didn’t pan out either.
In 2011, however, another opportunity presented itself.
“A friend of mine found out that American retailer Pep Boys had an overstock of scooters and wanted to sell them out. It was supposed to be a one-shot thing where we get the bikes, sell them, and then move. But we realised it had potential, based on the response,” Hines, 44, told Auto.
The venture only served to whet his appetite and later that same year, he was off to attend a trade show in mainland China. CG Eagle Cycle Ltd was formed the following year.
“We sell motorcyles — 110cc to 200cc. By March, we’ll be importing some 250cc bikes,” said the managing director of the Waltham Park Road-based establishment.
In addition to himself, the other principals are Jacqueline Morris and Lisha Briscoe.
His China-made Eagle brand has been making inroads into the market and is a growing favourite among “bearers, the little man, and ghetto youths” due to its value for money.
“They are very affordable and extremely reliable. Our engines are stronger than similar brands on the market and that’s the feedback we have been getting. Prices range from $115,000 to $250,000,” he said.
He had high marks for the two-wheeler’s fuel economy.
“Approximately $1,500 fills the tanks and, depending on your daily riding needs, that can serve more than a week.”
As a former owner of a 600cc superbike, Hines also had a word of advice for motorcycle riders.
“Please wear your helmets, don’t ride on the white line, and stay within the speed limit,” he said.
The managing director said he currently supplies Eagle motorcycles to 20 dealers islandwide at a wholesale rate, and only started his retail operation in March 2014 at his current location.
A former student of St George’s College and a graduate of the University of the West Indies, the downtown Kingston-born Hines outlined the vision for his company.
“I want Eagle brand to become a household name. A name that is associated with quality. I don’t really have to be at the top, but close to the summit is good enough,” he said.
