For our latest dealer profile, we head out to our beautiful East Coast and the Valley Yamaha Suzuki dealership located in Port Williams, Nova Scotia. This four season dealership has been around for over 40 years and is currently Atlantic Canada’s oldest Yamaha dealership. If you live on the East Coast and you need a trusted family owned dealership that prides itself on customer service and experience, Valley Yamaha Suzuki is the place for you. Along with Yamaha, they carry popular brands like Arctic Cat, Sherco, TM Moto, Argo, and for all you Ken Roczen fans out there, Valley is a premium Suzuki dealership.
A Maritime Institution Built on Family Values
The Annapolis Valley is known for its rolling farmland, coastal winds, and tight knit communities — and Valley Yamaha Suzuki fits right into that landscape. The dealership began as a small, family run shop serving local riders who needed reliable machines to explore the rugged terrain of Nova Scotia. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the most respected powersports destinations in Atlantic Canada, but it has never lost the warmth and familiarity that made customers feel at home from day one.
Step inside the dealership and you immediately sense that history. The showroom blends modern inventory with old school charm: Yamahas and Suzukis lined up beside Arctic Cats and Shercos, shelves stocked with gear and accessories, and a parts counter where conversations often last longer than transactions. Customers don’t just come here to buy — they come to talk, to learn, to share stories, and to feel connected to a community that loves the sport as much as they do.
A Four Season Powersports Hub
Nova Scotia’s riding season may be a little shorter than what we enjoy in Ontario or out West, but Valley Yamaha Suzuki has built its business around the idea that powersports never really stop. Their lineup reflects that philosophy. Dirt bikes, dual sports, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and Argo machines fill the property year round, giving riders options no matter what the weather throws at them.
Winter brings a surge of snowmobile customers — especially Arctic Cat loyalists — who rely on Valley’s service department to keep their sleds running through the cold months. Spring and summer belong to Yamaha and Suzuki riders, from trail enthusiasts to street riders heading toward the coast. And tucked in the corner of the showroom, the Sherco and TM Moto models draw in the hardcore off road crowd, the riders who want something a little different, a little more performance driven, and a little more European. The dealership’s ability to serve every season is a big part of why it has lasted more than four decades. Riders know they can count on Valley Yamaha Suzuki whether they’re prepping for a spring MX race, a July trail ride or a January snowstorm.
Atlantic Canada’s Oldest Yamaha Dealership
Being the oldest Yamaha dealership in Atlantic Canada isn’t just a fun fact — it’s a badge of honour. It speaks to longevity, trust, and a level of customer loyalty that only comes from decades of doing things the right way. Yamaha’s reputation for reliability pairs perfectly with the dealership’s commitment to service, and many customers have been buying their bikes here for generations.
Also on the Blu Cru side of things, this dealership is a proud supporter of Tyler and Talon Medaglia, as well as Mitch Cooke. Tyler Medaglia needs no introduction as his accolades in this sport speak for themselves. Now, his son Talon is following in his famous Dad’s footsteps as he navigates his way through the amateur ranks in Canada. And Valley Yamaha-Suzuki has been right there with them, supporting their effort each step of the way. Tyler had this to say about the incredible support he receives from Kirk and his crew, “Kirk and everyone at Valley have been crucial to our racing program for the past several years. Together, we have enjoyed a lot of success in racing, from the J-Day events, to the FMSQ Series, to Loretta Lynn’s, to ECAN and of course the Walton TransCan. It’s a grassroots moto shop that sell everything that we run on our race bikes. We are very grateful for their support and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our partnership.” We also caught up with owner Kirk Long to get his thoughts on the dealership, as well as the incredible East Coast market.
MXP: Hey Kirk! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us for this informative dealer profile story. We know the dealership is over forty years old, but how long have you been involved with it?
KL: Almost twenty years, so a long time as well. I began working here in 2008, and in 2011 I was presented with an opportunity to purchase it — and the rest, as they say, is history.
MXP: You’re right, that has been a long time.
KL: Yes, it was kind of unexpected. One day the owner walked into work and just said, “I’m done. Do you want to buy it from me?” He told me what he wanted for it, and soon after we agreed on a price. That was pretty much it. Owning a powersports dealership obviously wasn’t in my original life plan, but here we are.
MXP: It’s funny how and when opportunities come up in life! So, I would assume that you’ve been passionate about riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles your entire life?
KL: Yes, for sure! All of the above, but mostly dirt bikes. I started riding at a young age and really, since then, I haven’t looked back. That’s how I first became familiar with the Valley dealership. They opened in 1981, and in 1984 I walked in here and bought a Yamaha IT200. That’s how it all started.
MXP: That is a cool story, and it kind of sounds like it was all meant to be?
KL: You could say that. Since I bought that first bike in 1984, I always returned here and kept buying bikes and racing all of the local races. Then, like I said, I began working here in 2008 because at the time my original career path wasn’t working out the way I had planned, so I needed a job. It’s all worked out in a way that I never would’ve imagined, Chris.
MXP: That is great! You mentioned racing locally, so let’s talk about the East Coast MX scene. I’ve only ever come out there for the Riverglade National each summer. However, if the rest of the events are driven by as much passion as that one is, then you guys certainly have something special out there?
KL: We really do. Everything is good out here, and the people who are involved in racing are passionate individuals. I don’t think our events draw as many riders as some of the other provinces do, but we have some great tracks, and the racing is always exciting. The racing on the East Coast has a real grassroots feel to it.
MXP: It’s interesting that you use the word grassroots, because that’s the vibe I always feel when I’m there. Even outside of motocross and racing, most people out there have that genuine and friendly demeanour about them. I guess that’s why people from across Canada and the USA travel there each summer.
KL: You’re not wrong. That’s how things are out here, and that’s one reason we have such a strong and loyal customer base.
MXP: While we’re on the subject of tracks, what is your favourite track on the East Coast?
KL: I would have to say the Clyde River MX track. It’s a sand track, and I just love the layout and how challenging it is. It’s also a great facility, and the new owner has put a lot of work into it. We’re actually very fortunate out here to have tracks that feature a little bit of everything, and I kind of like them all. But right now, Clyde River MX is my favourite.
MXP: During the past six years, we’ve all faced some very challenging times — with the pandemic and now with all the business around tariffs. It’s been especially hard on powersports and retail businesses. How has it been for you overall?
KL: I think it’s been okay, and we’ve managed to keep an even keel throughout the turmoil. During the pandemic there was obviously a big increase in demand for just about everything. However, the OEMs had their own supply issues, so we weren’t able to get as much product as we needed or wanted. Now, with these tariffs, they haven’t affected us too much yet, and hopefully that trend continues.
I think the biggest thing affecting all powersports dealers right now is the high cost of everything. Food prices are high, fuel prices are high — everything costs more — so people just don’t have the extra income to go buy a dirt bike or a UTV. Something has to give soon, and hopefully we can get some relief when it comes to inflation.
MXP: I think you nailed it, Kirk. And yes, something for sure has to give soon. I want to ask you about your relationship with the Medaglias and Mitch Cooke. They all speak so highly of you and your dealership. How did you end up supporting all of them, and what does the partnership mean to you and to Valley Yamaha?
KL: It actually all began with Mitch five years ago — he was the original catalyst for our deal. He was also the person who introduced me to Talon Medaglia, so we started helping him out with some YZ85s. That obviously led us to Tyler, and the rest again is history.
They are all incredible people, and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s all worked out. The folks at Yamaha love what we do. Obviously, we’re having success with Talon as he comes through the ranks in motocross, and now with Tyler being one of the top off road riders in Canada, it’s been great. Honestly, it’s just been great — they’re not only great riders, but also great people.
MXP: That’s great to hear! I agree with everything you just said — they are all great people. This final question might be challenging for you to answer, but where do you see the Valley Yamaha dealership in, say, five years’ time?
KL: That is a tough question, Chris. Going back to your question about the challenging times we’ve been living in for the past six years — since we’ve been able to withstand all of that, I think we’ll see continued growth on the two wheel side of the business. People love to ride, and I can’t see that changing.
As far as the snowmobile side of things, that is harder to predict as it’s so weather dependent. However, I think we’re going to see big growth in the UTV market, and more and more families are looking toward those machines. They’re so versatile for the entire family, and with heated cabs and multiple features, they’re a year round machine now.
Also, the governments out here are in the process of changing the laws so side by sides will be able to access more roads legally. When that happens, the market is going to explode, as people will be able to drive them more places. So that is promising for sure.
Yes, to answer your question, I see the next five years being very positive for us here.
MXP: Well Kirk, thank you for doing this story. Hopefully next summer when we’re out your way for the Riverglade National, we can go for a drive and come see your dealership?
KL: That would be great Chris, and thank you for doing this story on our dealership.
A Service Department Riders Trust
Behind the showroom is one of the dealership’s biggest strengths: a service department treats every machine like it’s their own. Powersports in the Maritimes can be tough on equipment — salt air, rugged terrain, unpredictable weather — and Valley Yamaha Suzuki has built a reputation for keeping bikes, ATVs, and sleds running strong.
Customers often talk about how the service team goes above and beyond, whether it’s squeezing in a last minute repair before a weekend ride or helping diagnose an issue that’s been bothering a customer for months. That level of care is a major reason riders stay loyal to the dealership year after year.
A Destination Worth the Drive
Port Williams may be a small community, but Valley Yamaha Suzuki has become a destination for riders across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. But, it ismore than just a dealership — it’s a cornerstone of the East Coast powersports community. With over 40 years of history, a lineup that spans every season, and a family run atmosphere that makes every customer feel welcome, it’s no surprise they’ve earned the title of Atlantic Canada’s oldest Yamaha dealership.
Whether you’re a Yamaha loyalist, a Suzuki fan, a snowmobiler, or an off road rider looking for something unique like Sherco or TM Moto, Valley Yamaha Suzuki has something for everyone. If you’re ever in Nova Scotia, make the trip to Port Williams. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the dealership — and maybe even a new machine. To learn more about Valley Yamaha-Suzuki, please visit their web site: Home | Valley Yamaha Suzuki
