Crescent Motorcycle Co. proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, marking an extraordinary three generation journey from a small corner store in 1950 to Crescent’s multi-outlet, industry standard showrooms and World Championship winning racing team of today.
Founded by Ted “Pop” Denning, Crescent began as a local cycle and motorcycle shop in Charminster Road, Bournemouth – the business simply named after its location on the corner of St Albans Crescent. From humble beginnings - selling bicycles, repairing motorcycles, and offering hardware store services including cut-price heating paraffin to local pensioners! - Crescent has grown into one of the UK’s most consistent and well-regarded motorcycle dealership groups, with a deep-rooted passion for customer service and performance.
Still largely a family business, both in its ownership structure and operational ethos, Crescent’s latter day success was fuelled by Ted’s son John Denning’s development of the business and establishment of the Crescent Suzuki franchise in 1963 – creating Suzuki’s longest standing UK dealership. Current Managing Director, Paul Denning, was able to use Crescent’s stable platform and good business reputation created by John to further expand, and also to establish Crescent’s British Superbike racing team in 1995.
Over the last 15 years Crescent’s relationship with Yamaha has grown to the extent that “Crescent Yamaha” has become one of Yamaha Europe’s premier dealership groups. Crescent Yamaha’s flagship Verwood store, which also houses the GYTR Pro Shop and sits adjacent to the Yamaha WorldSBK team’s operational HQ, is supported by Crescent’s newest Yamaha outlet in Southampton and the much-expanded Bournemouth location, which also still enthusiastically offers Suzuki sales and expert service. Crescent has also become a renowned used bike specialist, further enhanced by its recent acquisition of Dynomite Motorcycles - also currently located in Bournemouth.
With decades of industry accolades, including multiple "Dealer of the Year" awards from manufacturers, trade press and Motorcycle News, Crescent has remained at the forefront of the UK motorcycle scene, adapting and evolving to meet the needs of riders at every level and in every discipline.
Paul Denning – Managing Director and Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team Principal:
“75 years is a long time for any business to survive and develop, especially in an industry as sometimes challenging as the motorcycle market can be. The foundations laid down by my Grandfather but more importantly by my Dad John, who is so dearly missed by all of us, allowed me and the team to take some risks and to significantly develop the business over the last 40 years. John’s clear principles have been what has shaped Crescent over the years – be honest, do what you say you’re going to do, pay your bills on time and treat your customers as friends and the biggest assets of the business. I don’t believe we get it right 100% of the time, but I do believe that we always try – whether in the showroom or at the racetrack. We have some great people at Crescent - including some who have been with the business longer than I have which is a scary thought! – and some talented younger people who look set to take Crescent forward on its journey. Motorcycles provide a lot of freedom and a lot of fun, and we are lucky to work within an industry that brings smiles to so many faces.”
A Collector’s Dream
Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Models
To mark its 75th birthday , Crescent will be unveiling a very limited collection of special edition Yamaha and Suzuki motorcycles, celebrating Crescent’s heritage and engineering excellence. Each model will be meticulously designed with unique liveries, exclusive finishes, and premium detailing.
Alongside these ultra-exclusive machines, a special 75th Anniversary merchandise collection will be released, featuring carefully curated designs inspired by Crescent’s racing history and iconic moments.
Full details on the 75th Anniversary collection and showroom celebration events will be released soon.