Closed Dealerships
#205
08-31-2010 | 09:45 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 16,667
Likes: 5,634
From: SE Michigan
You CAN blame HD for INCREASING Production in the mid 2000s. That flooded the market with bikes and made the used-bike market head south. Like many businesses, they got greedy. Rather than slow and steady growth, they chose to expand rapidly and place undo demands on their dealers. I personally know three dealers across the US that closed doors because of the mothership not taking care of their own. Kind of tells you where they are heading. I don't blame this action on the economy. I think the execs at the MOCO wanted to cash in on their bonuses and stock options by selling more bikes. They don't make any money selling used bikes. IMHO...
Really? I'm sure there was way more complaining that it took a year to get a bike.
#206
08-31-2010 | 09:48 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 16,667
Likes: 5,634
From: SE Michigan
American HD in Ann Arbor
American HD in Ann Arbor, MI just "consolidated" their operations to Brighton HD (same owner)
I've heard that Gilberts in Port Huron, Ray C's in Lapeer, MI and Biker Bobs are all headed in the same direction. ABC and Motor City will benefit for sure.
I've heard that Gilberts in Port Huron, Ray C's in Lapeer, MI and Biker Bobs are all headed in the same direction. ABC and Motor City will benefit for sure.
#207
08-31-2010 | 09:59 PM
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 464
Likes: 5
From: NC
Carolina H-D in gastonia NC Exit 20 of I-85 set to close Oct 15 per this newspaper story.
See link http://www.gastongazette.com/news/ba...na-harley.html
Click Baldwin died two years ago in Montana and his wife didn't want to continue.. Store was huge, about like a big Lowes or Home depot with lots of bikes and stuff. It was kind of a yuppie dealership but they at least kept lots of stock. *** at Rock Hill SC or Charlotte HD in matthews will probably pick up the business.
Bub
See link http://www.gastongazette.com/news/ba...na-harley.html
Click Baldwin died two years ago in Montana and his wife didn't want to continue.. Store was huge, about like a big Lowes or Home depot with lots of bikes and stuff. It was kind of a yuppie dealership but they at least kept lots of stock. *** at Rock Hill SC or Charlotte HD in matthews will probably pick up the business.
Bub
#208
09-01-2010 | 09:14 AM
Not the Motor Company's Fault
It's true that Harley has a poorly managed dealer network, but it isn't Harley's fault. Harley does expect the dealer network to provide a great experience and offers guidance to achieve that goal. Most dealers just don't listen, either from ignorance or arrogance.
What they don't do is shut down dealers or force them to do things they don't want to do.
They don't ship any merchandise or motorcycles that the individual dealers do not order.
They do not require you to build new facilities (you have seen the older rundown dealers)
Dealers bought into the monster stores because of pride, not H-D specifications.
Sorry, but the current downfall in the dealer network is related to poor service and bad management of people, customers, and costs.
A lot more dealers will fail in the coming months. They will be replaced in markets of need by better operators.
What they don't do is shut down dealers or force them to do things they don't want to do.
They don't ship any merchandise or motorcycles that the individual dealers do not order.
They do not require you to build new facilities (you have seen the older rundown dealers)
Dealers bought into the monster stores because of pride, not H-D specifications.
Sorry, but the current downfall in the dealer network is related to poor service and bad management of people, customers, and costs.
A lot more dealers will fail in the coming months. They will be replaced in markets of need by better operators.
#209
09-01-2010 | 09:56 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 196
From: northeast
It's true that Harley has a poorly managed dealer network, but it isn't Harley's fault. Harley does expect the dealer network to provide a great experience and offers guidance to achieve that goal. Most dealers just don't listen, either from ignorance or arrogance.
What they don't do is shut down dealers or force them to do things they don't want to do.
They don't ship any merchandise or motorcycles that the individual dealers do not order.
They do not require you to build new facilities (you have seen the older rundown dealers)
Dealers bought into the monster stores because of pride, not H-D specifications.
Sorry, but the current downfall in the dealer network is related to poor service and bad management of people, customers, and costs.
A lot more dealers will fail in the coming months. They will be replaced in markets of need by better operators.
What they don't do is shut down dealers or force them to do things they don't want to do.
They don't ship any merchandise or motorcycles that the individual dealers do not order.
They do not require you to build new facilities (you have seen the older rundown dealers)
Dealers bought into the monster stores because of pride, not H-D specifications.
Sorry, but the current downfall in the dealer network is related to poor service and bad management of people, customers, and costs.
A lot more dealers will fail in the coming months. They will be replaced in markets of need by better operators.
