Australian Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Milledge Brothers

Milledge Bros. Pty. Ltd. Victoria
287 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. Matchless (1953)
Springvale Rd Mulgrave. Yamaha importers. (1960s-70s)

Quoting from their motoguzzi.com.au website of August 2001:

...Milledge Brothers was established in 1903 and began with the importation of REX motorcycles from England – the first motorbikes to be introduced into Australia. The business was owned and run by the two Milledge brothers, George and Alex.

In the years that followed Milledge Brothers handled and/or had the agency for almost every British and American make of machine including Ariel, B.S.A., Matchless, A.J.S., Douglas, Indian, Triumph, FN and Harley Davidson. Business prospered and expanded into NSW and Tasmania with the head office and show room in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne – beginning what is now considered the most well-known and populated motorcycle ‘strip’ in Australia.

In 1956, after the death of his father, Alexander Milledge Jnr. assumed control of the business. At this time Alexander Milledge Jnr, began establishing a strong business relationship with Nippon Gakki, manufacturers of the Yamaha motorcycle. Milledge Brothers then became the first Yamaha distributor outside Japan. This was the beginning of the 1960’s ‘Japanese Motorcycle Revolution’ in Australia, and once again, Milledge Brothers were at the forefront.

Milledge Brothers continued to grow and expand throughout the 60’s and 70’s, predominantly dealing in the Japanese motorcycle market. In 1982, after many years of successful collaboration Alex Milledge signed his distribution rights back to Yamaha so that they could set up their own headquarters within Australia. He did, however, keep his Tasmanian operation and continued as direct importers and distributors of Yamaha motorcycles and accessories in Tasmania until recently.

After so many years within the motorcycling industry it was impossible for Alex Milledge not to take up the challenge when he saw the opportunity to secure the Australian distribution rights for Moto Guzzi.

Australian Motorcycle Importers Pty. Ltd.

Australian Motorcycle Importers continues the Milledge Groups involvement with the motorcycle industry. Alex Milledge is a Director of A.M.I. along with his son-in-law Brad Ross. Libby Ross, General Manager and Rick Thomas, Australian Service Manager are responsible for the running of the company. Libby Ross, Alex’s daughter, takes over the mantle as the next generation of the Milledge family to be involved in the motorcycling industry in Australia.

A.M.I. is currently the sole Australian importer and distributor for Moto Guzzi motorcycles, spares and accessories.

Australian Motorcycle Importers is also the sole importer and distributor for Benelli motorcycles and spare parts in Australia.

AMI also imports and distributes Magni products in Australia and is involved in other motorcycle related products.

AMI has an established Australia wide network offering retail sales and service for motorcycles and accessories.

The head office of AMI is located in South Melbourne, in close proximity to the port of Melbourne and Melbourne airport, providing ease of shipping, transportation and distribution of products throughout the country.

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