By DENISE R. FREELAND

News Leader Staff Writer

Don and Connie Robertson's goal, when they opened CD Powersports in May 2007, was to provide motorized vehicles for youths; however, due to interest from older customers, their stock now includes models for the whole family.

CD Powersports carries Tank all-terrain vehicles, scooters and motorcycles; Redcat and Kazuma ATVs and dirt bikes; and BMS ATVs.

"If there's something that's not on our showroom floor, and it's in our catalog, we can get it for a customer," Connie added.

In order to keep their prices down, the Robertsons sell "offshore" brands, or those made overseas.

"The way the economy is, it's hard to afford the more expensive models," Connie said. "You can pick up a (offshore brand) 50cc four-wheeler for $600 to $700, as opposed to $1,200 and up."

Don carefully selects the companies CD Powersports will deal with, however.

"He's very particular about which offshore brands we carry," Connie said. "Some are cheap and are made cheap, with no backing."

The Robertsons will only sell vehicles that carry warranties, which range from six months to three years, depending on the brand and unit, and that they are certain they can get parts for.

"Service is very important to us and we want to be certain, if we sell it, we can service it," Connie said.

Don does all the service on the vehicles the shop sells. He also thoroughly checks out each unit - tightening bolts, testing the brakes, clutch and lights, charging the battery, changing the oil and checking the tire pressure - before it goes to its new owner.

Connie also explained that the motors in the vehicles they sell are very reliable, as they are copied from Honda motors on which the patents have expired. "They run and run and run," she said.

CD Powersports also carries batteries, tires, after-market products for all makes, and a wide variety of additional parts and accessories for all brands. The Robertsons also stress the importance of safety gear, such as helmets and goggles, which they stock.

"We want families to know you have to be safe on these," Connie said, noting that each unit has an age range, and none of the vehicles is intended for use by children younger than six.

Due to high gas prices, the Robertsons said, they are seeing increased interest in scooters, which can get up to 80 miles per gallon. CD Powersports is providing a Tank 150 scooter, now on display in the showroom, for the American Legion to raffle at the Minerva Homecoming. Tickets are on sale at the store for $3 each or two for $5.

CD Powersports offers up to six months layaway, accepts checks, Master Card and Visa, and offers discounts for cash and purchases of multiple units.

The shop is located at 15595 Lincoln Way SE, next to Cap's Grocery, and can be reached at 330-313-1466. CD Powersports is open Tuesday through Thursday, 1-6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.