Harley-Davidson of Frederick, MD is Dropping the HD Brand!?
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- Harley-Davidson of Frederick, MD is Dropping the HD Brand!? After 46 years as a Harley-Davidson franchised dealer, Mike and Nan are throwing in the towel. :(
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Chapters:
00:00 Beginning
00:23 HD of Frederick www.hdoffrederick.com/
03:19 frederickhog.org/ Frederick H.O.G. Chapter 1813
09:22 Outro
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First of all the dealership has been up for sale for a few years now. Since Mikes son took over operation of the dealership their customer service has gone downhill fast. Everyone, me included, who I ride with has abandoned the dealership for the treatment of us in customer service area. I rode with a person who was very dedicated to the store until he was treated very poorly. Face it if you were in the store recently the lot was empty. Pretty obvious to me what happened and it wasn’t Harley Davidson that did it.
Sounds about right. With Harley sales contracting the corporate office probably decided to close that point if the dealer couldn’t sell the business which would help the next closest dealer. If Harley needed that point open they would have found someone to take it over.
I get that. My question is, was a refresh a caveat for the buyer essentially torpedoing the sale? I have been a customer for 30 years and never experienced any poor service under his son's direction. Thanks for commenting.
All of the dealerships haven’t been up for sale!!! 🙄
They are independently owned though H.D. Has money invested in these businesses also.
I bought both of my Harleys at this dealer last year, but after a string of truly awful customer service experiences - culminating in them charging me a $117 "diagnostics fee" to investigate the check engine light being on on my brand-new bike because they couldn't find the problem so they couldn't bill Harley for it - I finally sat the GM down and explained to him all the reasons why I would never step foot in that place again. He didn't care. I wasn't surprised. Won't miss this dumpster fire of a dealership at all.
@@BillKocikthat $117 SUCKS
The same thing happened to the Harley dealer in Centerville Indiana. They would not build a new palace for Harley and the company yanked their franchise. These are good people who know the meaning of customer service. We are from Pennsylvania and 3 years ago the stator went out on my friends Road Glide. They were no longer a dealer but still doing repairs. They took us in first thing in the morning and got us back on the road by noon. Now that's customer service! What a shame the company did not see the value in this dealership.
I agree with you 100%!! There's a skunk in the wood pile>> We have ridden in all 50 states and we have seen this across the USA..HD doesn't want any small local dealers...Just mega stores...It truly is sad what is happening to the brand but more so with the loyal dealers who are now forced to close...
Yes, it is sad. Hopefully, they'll turn it around.
HD has been forcing dealerships closed for over a decade now. The CEO of not only HD but Car makers too, have stated that dealerships need to go away, DTC as Tesla and Carvana has been doing is the way forward. Dealerships putting crazy markups on vehicles against the Corporation’s wishes over the past 4 years was the final nail in the coffin.
Harleys suck just natural selection they’ve stayed around past there welcome outdated technology was cool 70 yeas ago nobody will miss them much longer
Just reading the comments in this video of all the testimonies of folks stating the same thing happened in their town. Is this a coincidence? I think not.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures Rommel in Annapolis closed like 4 years ago. Old Glory and Baltimore Harley are the only two left that are close to me now.
Hd getting ready for their Bud Light moment
I believe you're correct.
Boys and girls in suits who have forgotten who their base customers are. Can you say NASCAR also?
Going electric sealed the deal. Mostly old people with money to burn, purchase HD motorcycles nowadays. They grew up with loud pounding engines, shifting gears. Going electric, combined with their other shenanigans. Drove the old loyal paying customers away.
Harley survived by providing a product that Amaricans wanted. Now having gone global. Motorcycles manufactured in China, pushing electic, and pussy 400cc bikes.
No Real American wants a Harley or to be seen on one!
They are no doubt designing the Dylan Mulvaney Glide.
They are, but not because of being woke. Harley is known as bikes for MAGAs.
Remember. Bud light is doing fine these days. My Pillow and Harley isnt.
46 years of service mad respect❤
Agreed. And a vet for bonus points. Shame on the MoCo.
It's sad to see any Harley dealership close but they are getting too expensive in a time when people are struggling to survive..
Sad for a good dealer that treats customers right to be shutting the door. I believe your onto something because there closing so fast like it’s a deadline. They would be able to sell the dealership so there has to be a deadline. Heavy handed Harley and an owner that could retire would be a bad mix. I feel so bad for the employees that probably love everyday heading into a motorcycle dealer to work.
It's a monumental tragedy to have this happen to a family that has devoted 46 years of their life to the MoCo. Let alone a vet...
Expensive to own, expensive to sell, expensive to keep up with the Jones’s.
When one gives with no intention of getting back it comes back to you in ways you could never imagine, this happens in business too.
HD has had a propensity to take…and have done for a very long time. This will hurt HD and the good will that Frederick HD has provided to the community will come back to them…I believe that.
There will come a day in the near future, fir the MoCo to pay the devil his due.
And when Harley has a design flaw they make a Screaming Eagle kit for engine and you get pay for it!
How are they expensive to own? I have spent no more maintaining my Harleys than any of the other 8 brands I have owned.
I remeber those times in the 90's when you had those waiting lists. That is so sad and I feel bad for all those people now out of work. I agree it had to be something big to pull out right away. Especially with the riding season just kicking off.
This is just sad news. It's a real kick in the Jimmies to good folks that have donated the right thing their whole life. What a shame..
This was done about 25 years ago also with dealers that had several bike brands including Harley at one location. Harley required these dealers to build Harley only dealerships if they were to continue seeking their bikes. Harley was in its heyday then and was selling bikes faster than they could make them. They opened new manufacturing locations to meet the demand. Over the years since they flooded the market with Harleys driving down the trade and resale values. Now times have changed. Smaller production lineup, increased prices, rampant inflation, higher interest rates all force buyers to rethink heavy spending on luxury items. We know sales are down. Now is not a time for the mo co to flex its wings with unreasonable demands of the dealers. These franchise dealers have to preserve there businesses and tighten their budgets as necessary. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this happening more and more in the near future. Harley needs to realistic in their expectations.
after a major warranty problem last yr , not at this dealership, I-sold my tri glide and went to can am. Harley just close your doors and get it over with..
I'm sorry to hear this. The Spyder is a solid bike. Ride swift, ride safe.
Welcome to the Can-Am family, Tony! 💜🤗
KG&A, very well done video ! While active in the motorcycle community with brands other than Harley Davidson, I found your case here very well presented :) Coming from an auto OEM, I can completely see HD pushing for a new facility and playing dirty about it. Looking at this scenario, it makes perfect sense. What I would love to see as the "ultimate middle finger" to HD, is that the owner tell Harley to take your franchise, but we'll keep the dealership operating as a successful independent. "V-Twin of Frederick Specializing in American Motorcycles" or a similar name. With a few changes, the operation can continue on selling used motorcycles, servicing bikes for maintenance and repairs, carry a line of accessories and aftermarket parts, offer financing through various lenders, host local rides,,,, all while keeping folks employed. The operation could still be an important part of the community and celebrate HD motorcycles and its customer base. As it was mentioned, it is really sad to see independent family businesses leave the workspace only to be taken over by some conglomerate. Again, well presented info, thanks for reading :)
My sentiments exactly. If dumping HD and carrying on became a thing, HD would have to change.
46 years WOW, this is so sad. Man, we really wish HD see this video. Customer service is everything and it sounds like this dealership is the cream of the crop.
46 years, a vet, and kicked to the curb. We may never know the truth, but the writing is kind of on the wall.
WAS THE CREAM OF THE CROP; WAS.
I have been a customer of Harley Davidson of Frederick for the past 30 years. I was shocked to hear it was closing. Very sad. Thanks Mike and staff for your commitment to my bikes. It was a pleasure doing business with you. All the best!
Well said! I, too, have been a customer for 30 years. I wish Moke and Nan all the best on their retirement.
What a sad story of a HD dealership and the quick and surprising way to close up. WOW
That’s crazy. Never heard of a business that is supposed customer focused and you have 5 days notice to get you “stuff out”.
HD needs to wake up !!!!!
The business model is old and flawed.
The HD dinosaur has lost its way.
So sad to see this update.
I feel for that family, after so many years of dedication to that brand.
Thanks for sharing.
Harley-Davidson needs to have the light shined on their business practices. They are very quietly tearing down their lore and tradition. I show no quarters for this type of business. Thanks for stopping by.
1st off, I love your xr 1200. Secondly I believe what your thoughts are on what's happening at that dealership. Sadly corporate people love you when you obey and make them money but will gladly throw you to the curb when you don't comply. Loyalty and dedication mean nothing to the higher up.
It's a shame that the customers suffer as well. Nowadays, it's hard to find a business that you can trust and have a bond with, so when it's gone, it hurts and will probably never be replaced.
Car dealers are buying up the HD dealerships here in VA. Crazy high fees, additional dealer markup are the norm. Yet, they don't understand that the HD market is spiraling at this time.
Sad too see a long time dedicated establishment go under. I own two HD's both old and simple machines (1969 XLCH, 1976 FXE) easy to maintain and no problem finding parts. I recently felt the need for a new/modern motorcycle and found it at the local Triumph dealer, Bonneville T120. I couldn't see spending 10K more on a new HD. I too think HD has priced themselves out of the market. Hope Mr. Mike and Mrs. Nan enjoy their retirement.
Thats terrible to hear Eric. With the 46 years of services the owners put into their business, they put their livelihood into their francise.
Harley has become too corporate. So, what if that shop is not up-to-par by Harley's standards of today. Most customers walk into buy or start the buying process of a bike. I almost guarantee most are not worried that there's a million-dollar renovation done. They're just looking for a good deal and good customer service. Geez someone needs to go back to the drawing board. Company is shooting itself in the foot.
In 2005 I went to my local H D dealership and purchased wrist pin C-clips all 4 and well under 10 bucks. In the next 6 months this dealership relocated across the street and the same 4 C-clips jumped more than 4 times in price. That was the last time I went to any H D function or dealership. And to this day I still do not support H D, don't even own anything H D.
You got to pay to play. There's a Japanese alternative for those that can't.
From what I heard, there were some number of deals trying to be made to sell the dealership, but the MoCo said "sell it to us or close it down" - not sure of the validity of that, it's just what I heard. It's a shame - that was my go-to place when I wanted a ride, and they have an on-site practice ground for the MSF, and always a bunch of friendly staff.
They were definitely a destination ride for me. May's Diner and the crab cake sandwiches are amazing for bonus points. All I can say is, it didn't have to end this way after 46 years.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures No, it most certainly did not. SMH
Most of the single store owners are selling to large dealer groups or closing up shop. The motor company welcomes this change. BUT they may have been purchased by a larger group for their territory and inventory that doesn't need the actual location.
We're see that trend here in VA. A car dealer bought 3 dealers around me. Sad...
I just went to go test ride a number of Harleys and attended the demo days. Got my license there and got to know Bill and Seaven. Was a looking to get my next Harley from there. Was nice having a Harley dealer so close to home, and it Almost felt like a second home even though I didn’t buy one yet. Will surely be missed.
First, congratulations on getting your license! I would swing by and have a look. Maybe they're blowing out their inventory at great prices? Ride swift, ride safe.
That's sad news. I've been to this dealership, it seemed to be a very nice one. The short timeframe of this does make it feel like a "corporate job" so to speak, such a shame. I agree with your theory, HD wanted them to pony up tons of money to beautify the dealership, this has forced other dealerships to leave HD before. 😞
We've seen the small dealerships.Get bought out by these larger corporate dealerships in my area also. These large corporate dealerships are flooded with so many bikes that you can't even walk through and look at them anymore.Because they have so many crammed into one building. The corporate harley davidson dealership just wants to sell new bikes and that's it.
In a throw away society maintenance isn't all that necessary. If only rich people buy new bikes, when higher maintenance comes due, that burden is on people with less money... there it is, money.
Harley-Davidson needs to talk this out. These are hard times for all of us. A agreement needs to happen now.
That is my thoughts, but I know it won't happen with only 5 days to react. It is br deign that thr MoCo is culling the herd. Just my 2 cents.
Ok the guy is retiring. That's not dropping the brand.
@@jagjr6772 A retirement would be a celebration. Did that letter I read sound like a celebration? The staff, customers, riders program, and HOG chapter had 7 days to react to this.
Wow ! I was just in Fredrick few months ago (just drove by for few minutes)
Sad news losing a good dealership.
Here in Sydney (Australia), Harley's flagship store is now closed. All stock was relocated to another shop that formally had Indian Motorcycles. The new location is far from flashy and nowhere near as big. There are other Harley dealerships that are not as big (but still quite modern) all around the Sydney area.
It appears to be a different animal in Australia. The three dealerships I went in are nothing like what the MoCo demands here in the US. I actually prefer the HD dealers in Oz.
There's a lot to ponder in that. Why wouldn't the othe HD dealerships buy that inventory? They didn't need more bike to sell or HD wouldn't allow it somehow...?
Just happened not to long ago in Pittsburgh Pa, owner had the dealership sold, MOCO came in and said NOPE ! Nothing he could do, that SUCKS ! They dispersed his inventory to other dealers and he was gone !
The truth, I had just bought a bike from that dealership 6 months prior to them shutting down.
Hot metal? I bought a 21 SGS and within a year they were gone…
Yup !
In my opinion, the only thing that makes Harley worth anything is the many fine folks that still ride them. Closing a HD dealership is not a problem for me, I haven't owned a Harley in over 40 years. To me, they have gotten far too expensive for just a name.
Wow, I was heading to the shop this weekend to pick up an oil change for my first ride of the season. Hate to see an awesome establishment close up that was not having any problems in the community
That is really sad. I live in Annapolis and we lost our dealership here a couple years ago. Right after I perched my bike
makes sense that they wouldn't want to renovate right now. I'm surprised because there is a really small dealer in the town I grew up in and it basically looks like a house. OR maybe they'll be the next one to drop off if this is what Harley is doing.
That's a shame. Frederick was my parts source when I did a full rebuild of my old FXR in 2010 and when I couldn't get a local dealer to help find a discontinued helmet last year, Frederick came through and had it shipped from Texas. These guys have been fantastic in my dealings with them for the past 15 years or so. It's a shame that somebody else didn't pick up their business.
It's so sad to see such a business close up. You'd think HD would bend over backwards to keep such a dealership continue. Cheers, Eric.
HD's time is coming. There will be a changing of the guard in the near future based on how things are going. I'm gutted to hear this about a solid dealership.
I'm 60 still have my 2nd bike a 72 FLH needs top end and I am no mechanic. But dealerships have always treated me like crap. Have heard good stories here an there but I was just buying parts. With I knew about Fredrick . I will check out your channel again I enjoyed it have great life peace
There's still some great dealers out there. Maybe log onto one of the HD forums and ask the folks for a reputable dealer to do your top end. I'm sure you'll get some great info. Thanks for watching and checking out my small channel.
Same thing happened to the HD dealership in the New Mexico town I moved from 3 years ago. It’s situated in a riding paradise, too (corner of NM, AZ, CO and UT)!
It's a sad state...I think we will see a bit more of this. The refresh requirements are the big challenge as I see it as well. 👍👊✌️
46 years of exemplary business practices down the tube...
The long time local dealer aged out and couldn’t find a new owner. Building now sits vacant.
That's so sad. I wish he was able to sell it.
Well done post sir. I subbed because of how you presented this. Thank you sir.
Thank you. I'm an old biker trying to turn new riders into old riders. Much appreciated. Eric
I was @ va beach Harley Davidson Dealership the other day . They are in older building.
I'm sure their turn is coming on this issue.
Im on the same boat with ya Eric… Im very displeased with what the MoCo is doing and the allowed profiteering of the resellers known as dealerships… Im looking elsewhere for now on Indian is the same way under Polaris… Good stuff Eric thanks
I'm so fed up with the current regime with the MoCo. Wtf is happening to the country I love?
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures imagine what the Veterans think especially the ones before me…😥
Great video 👌🏻 five days to redeem your gift cards sucks for the consumer though
It's incredible to put that expiration on their gift cards. When the franchise it pulled, everything stops immediately per the dealer agreement.
Times are tough for everyone right now and can’t say I blame Fredrick’s HD if that is the case.
I agree with you and it sure feels like it's not going to get any better in the near future. Thanks for stopping by.
We had a family owned dealership close for that very reason. HDMOCO said upgrade and it was about $3 million dollars. The owner retired and sold the dealership to an investment firm and it feels like a KIA or chevy dealer now. Sadly, most all dealers in my area are now owned by large auto dealerships with Markups etc. We have one dealership left in the state and it is 1.5 hours away abd I drive there for my purchases.
Sadly, this scenario is very common all across the nation.
Bummer 😥
How long before our bikes become a thing of the past? As long as I can find parts I’ll be fine but I feel your pain. Hopefully they can find a way to keep them open
I'm done with the MoCo. I purchased my last Harley.
I’d love to know the back story. It “appears” that something unsavoury went down. Over 40yrs of commitment to a brand is honourable. Thanks for sharing Eric.
A business model for HD to weed out dealers they don't want is to demand a sprucing up of the dealership. Which usually involves millions. It is my guess that this is how this got served up. If they say no, the franchise is taken away. I don't know this for a fact, but I've seen it happen to a dozen dealers I know personally.
Sorry to read this. Same thing happened to the Triumph dealership in Batesburg, SC. Top reputation but refused to build a Triumph 'palace'. Jeff decided to retire as a result.
It’s a shame to see a “Mom and Pop” dealership go down. You can see the Moco has it in for them. Hopefully they’re not storing bikes for any military personnel that are overseas right now.
That's a good point, Paul. I sure hope they've made provisions for our vets. Sad time with the MoCo these days. Another HD rant video! 😂
0:39 Sorry to hear about your people. I guess it could be a # of reasons. I wonder if we will ever know.
We may never know. You're absolutely correct, Larry.
Wow that is sad to hear. Hopefully something turns around soon!
The mom and pop shops are just about gone now. Times are changing.
Such a shame to hear. I feel especially bad for the employees. I recently had a great experience at a local HD dealer, I hate to see dealers go away…..
The staff found out 2 days ago. They gave 5 days left. We shall see how this plays out.
I’m just seeing this vid. I am shocked. I bought my Softail from HD Frederick two years ago. Never thought they’d drop the business. That’s a shame.
I feel the same way. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Evansville, Indiana had Buds H-D For decades. They had to upgrade the building, eventually move to a larger building, eventually sold out to a corporation with multiple stores. Buds was a great mom + pop shop. The new place/owner is not. Now I drive a Honda VTX 1800R . H-D corporate are idiots.
Same story here in VA. This will be my last Harley after 45 years of brand loyalty.
My daughter and son in law lived in Evansville about 5 years ago. Rode my ultra there from Texas a few times. That dealer had some nice people working there
Well my aunt and uncle had the 1st HD dealership in Colorado. When they decided to retire they contacted HD to turn in their franchise. HD wrote them back giving it back and asked them not too.
I may not be a HD rider, but after hearing this from corporate HD to close down a local HD shop for "whatever" reason(s) are. This dealership significantly out weighs any reason why they would close this shop with exceptional customer service/sales/and staff. It just befuddles me. I hope corporate HD does see this vid and puts them in the hot-seat for doing this. After 46 years of loyal service to the brand and community...I agree with @dyingbreed...mucho mad respect. I hope they (corporate HD) does hear you, Eric.
I could be wrong but I'd have to venture to guess they were ready to retire. With that Harley Davidson for whatever reason wouldn't let them sell the franchise causing them to close. Happened to the local dealership near me that had the best service around. Now stuck with franchise locations of the same owner with bad service.
I believe you're correct. My rub is it didn't have to end this way. A celebration of a forgotten era of mom and pop shops.
He had a good run, unfortunate that someone couldn’t carry on this location, hopefully everything is all good with them✌🏼 🥃
They indeed had a good run. I guess my argument is that it didn't have to end this way. Thanks for commenting, Mike.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures I
💯 % understand your frustration
Colbolt Harley in Morristown Tn …..just went through same thing had to sell 50% of market and couldn’t so Harley pulled there dealership after being in business over 50 years..
50 years! That's terrible. Wtf is happening to Harley.
Business relationships aren’t what they used to be hardly may have something specific that they wanted the dealership to do in the dealership didn’t want to do it whatever that may be whether it’s marketing goals or sales goals or who knows bottom line is I think your spot on thatworked a little bit harder to make things last but corporate decided not to
Very sad. I have always preached that it's not the first time customer that makes a business. It's the repeat and loyal customers that sustain a business. Who do you get loyal customers? Treat them right and fair. HD corporate, you did not. 😠
Well that answers my question as to what happened to a small dealership in Chillicothe oh 5 year’s ago, they loved the brand and the community they served but I guess it’s just business and that’s all they care about and I think there REALLY shooting themselves in the foot for doing it to that dealership, it’s a shame.
This situation has happened to a lot of dealers across the nation. I agree, they're shooting themselves in the foot
The problem is that Harleys popularity base is collapsing.
100% correct. It's sad to sit here and watch.
That's kinda an understatement... Honda sold 19 million bikes last year Harley sold 100k...
@Mikegastaldo Those facts are very misleading since Honda sells motorcycles in many different categories that Harley doesn't. Plus Harley is a premium brand.
@@johnsambo9379 Harley doesn't have the customer base to expand into more categories they struggle to sell what they do make..Honda / Toyota are the most premium brands on the planet.. there's a reason for this..
@@johnsambo9379 my pops was a biker..he was known to use the kitchen counter as a engine stand and the sink as a parts wash..sure he owned a Chevy pickup..but only used it to pickup broke down Harley's of his friend's or his own..I got my first bike in the early 72 ..a Honda 50.. stepped up to 125 quickly..by the early 80's I was heavily involved in rd350/400 2 strokes...my bikes never left me on the side of the road..I own a gsxr1000 this very day.. and it never let me down.. premium brand?
It’s not surprising to hear this. The motor company is definitely changing the way their dealers even exist in this changing world.
It ‘s pretty apparent they are working hard to get away from locally owned dealers in favor of large investor groups owning multiple stores in multiple locations to control the prices across larger geographical areas and therein make more profits for the shareholders of HD . They still don’t even try to makes bikes people can afford. Their main buying groups of riders are vanishing and they still haven’t figured out how to build more affordable machines for younger generations to discover riding motorcycles. If gen X and millennials don’t start getting out and discovering freedom and adventure on 2 wheels soon , Motorcycling will soon be a forgotten pastime replaced by virtual reality and a gaming chair.
This is why I started my channel. To help foster interest in riding. To a certain extent, it's been an epic fail. I don't fit the algorithm. I feel that as an older rider, we should do our best to introduce the sport. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Speaking as gen x myself, we are and have been riding. A lot of us are just now to the point that we can afford an HD. The younger generations are riding as well, but they are buying a used 600 sport bike for $1000-1500. They can't afford to buy a Harley or even to buy an older one, because of the cost of rebuilding one.
Colbach Harley Davidson in Morristown Tn. was done the exact same way. I just don't get it.
I kinda hope you're wrong in your guess. I really really can't stand it when big business dictates aesthetics and image. It wrecks the charm of why it did well in the first place.
We may never know the truth. The fact that a dealer for 46 years and a vet got kicked to the curb is sobering.
Was a huge fan of Victory Brands back in the day so when they got taken down was more than a little worried despite Polaris still soldiering on big time and well since. Harley has had no problem getting into all electrics but do miss their Buell offerings big time.
worked there for 1 years, raced out of there, tuned out of there, and laeanted quite a bit while there. From 1990 to 19999.
Very sad story. We cannot understand how HD would be comfortable in eliminating a location that clearly has a fantastic customer base and a true HD vibe. What is going on here!!! Thankyou for bringing this to the foreground Eric and stating the obvious. We need more Eric’s in this world
We may never know what it going on here. What I do know is their franchise got pulled abruptly. Leave the staff, customer base and legacy in shambles in a matter of 2 weeks. It didn't have to end this way. These good folks should and their loyalty should have been taken into consideration. Thanks for stopping by! :)
Very well spoken sir!
Thank you
Thank you!
I have never been a fan of H-D, but I am a fan of small business that does it right.
Maybe if you discover who H-D's largest share holders are you might find your answer, hint, Vanguard and Blackrock are 2 of them.
You are spot on. The next issue to address is the board of directors and where their allegiance lies.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures Sadly, the board of directors is a who's who of anti fossil fuels anti American globalist. Scary times.
Woke-chen Zietz
damn that's a shame. At least they are doing it right by alerting you and not just closing and running. Too bad they didn't just sell it
Who know the reason behind this. I just feel it didn't have to end like this. Giving the staff and customer base, let alone their rider programs and HOG charper 2 weeks is terrible.
HD is making some very interesting decisions. Whether or not this affects the decisions a dealer makes themselves independently is up for opinion. However, it's sad especially when it is one of the biggest selling brands of bike in the world.
It sounds like the owners are lovely people who clearly have hearts of gold, honouring their vouchers, thanking all their customers and community. Beautiful letter.
2 Year wait is insane. I don't think people waited that long after COVID lockdowns settled down and things went back to "normal", whatever that is.
Our dealerships on Tulsa Oklahoma are way out of date as well , they are tiny compared to other dealerships and need to be remodeled, but if you can’t afford to do it, you can’t afford to do it and if you can’t afford to move locations because the people around, you will not sell their property to you so you can expand what do you do?
That is a very tough situation to be in. I don't believe this dealship was looking for expansion. Whether it's retirement or a forced shutdown, it didn't have to end this way so abruptly.
Although not a Harley owner I ride by this dealer a few times a week and hardly consider the building in need of an upgrade and they have a lot of room. A car dealer with $$$$$ is a good bet. But I agree with everyone on the abruptness of the whole deal. Not something I would expect from a pillar of the business community.
It seems all corporations CEO's are attending seminars teaching them that maximizing profits is the meaning of life.
Truth. After 46 years, I would have thought Jochen should have been there to thank him for his families service. Sad...
I do believe that what you suspect, and reading between the lines, Eric, is probably correct... or even worse, on the shoulders of HD decision makers.
That is where I would place my chips if I was betting. 46 years of stellar performance tossed to the curb.
Those updated shops look very pricey to do. There's a few near me. The funny part of it is they don't a darn thing for me. These new shops just enhance the retail perversion. They do look nice though....
Let’s Go!!!!!! 🤙🏾🔥
Great share uncle. Praying Harley makes a move on this.
Seamed like a good dealership. I'm so happy i got away from HD 30 yrs ago, so many better options. I love the Made In America T Shirt from HD that are made in China.
Agreed, globalization has all but ruined "Made in America."
If they do that with shirts they will do that with bikes. Not a big leap if money is your main concern.
Really sad to see and hear about this. I go to Frederick a lot for business reasons and not seeing that shop on Urbana Pike won't be the same.
I have to agree. I live just north of Richmond now. So, it's a bit of a hike to drop in these days. That said, always a please to stop in HDF. May's Diner next door has the best crab cake sandwiches. Thanks for stopping by. Eric
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures Mary's is always great along with Mariachi which is just up the street. Great Mexican food. Much love from a Florida Harley girl.
*Update* DARCARS Toyota has moved into the old HD shop. Still heartbroken over it all.
I've been riding Harleys for about 20 years but I don't think I'll ever buy another one. They are pushing customers like me out and it's obvious they're pushing dealers out. Harley-Davidson is doing something very wrong.
Yep, I have a '97 883 and a '20 FXDL. I was done with HD's new bikes after they killed the Dyna and brought out the M8, or M-turd.
I miss the small dealerships they were all different and unique, Harley Davidson's management wanted all the dealers to follow the McDonald's' model all look the same, customers pay for the HD superstores with high bike prices and in some cases dealer mark ups, HD seems to have forgotten not to long ago they were close to bankruptcy when they were bailed out by the loyal customers with all the troubles still stuck with them, AMF years.
What’s bummer. It’s always a shame when a good H-D dealership closes.
Whatever the reason is, it's a loss to the HD community when we lose a good dealer.
Never been to Frederick location but did hear good things I have old Harley and they were one of the locations that would work on them my local dealers 10 years and older they will not touch the bike
The data - almost 40% (38%) of Harley's business existence - is very telling. Great point to address. It would be fantastic if HD saw this and did something about it. But the realist in me says this would go against the business model and shareholder interests.
On many fronts, I'm disenchanted with the MoCo. I feel like very troubled waters are ahead of them. Thanks for stopping by, Toby.
@@KrakensGarageandAdventures Only time will tell. Stay blessed and ride safe my friend!
Troubled waters indeed ..started with Woken Zeitz
How about, Congratulations on 46 years as a Harley dealer, Mike and Nan. Enjoy your retirement💐
Agreed! I just felt it didn't have to end this way.
One could assume nowadays ‘even in the US’ that there are too many dealers selling bikes to a gradually diminishing clientele.
Accurate assessment my friend. It’s a shame.
I'm so glad you bought an Indian. 👌
Part of the mystique of Harley for me is a mom and pop in my hometown when i was a kid. They went down 40 years ago. HD is losing/selling out its mystique.
I have to agree. Thanks for commenting.
hate to see a longtime dealer have to close there doors, but you aint wrong on the status of the moco.
Sadly, many of us feel that way.
Big change, best wishes to the owner for their future time. Hopefully some talented aspiring person can fill in the gap.
I sure hope so. It's interesting to see how dealers are handled in the US, vs. in Australia.
My HD dealer turned into an RV dealer, I don’t even know where the nearest HD dealer is now.
When I get out your way, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts after you ride my Electra Glide. Thanks for stopping by, Tom.
My Local Power Sports Dealership 1/2 mile down the road from the Oldest Family owned HD Dealership in Michigan, Perry HD which just closed down last December, has a small Display area Dedicated to Indian. So much less Overhead costs, it's not funny.
I get it, Mike. I really don't think HD gives a hoot about how the dealer fairs. They want what they want.
What I dont understand is if HD is squashing dealers, why wouldnt just taking down the HD name bring more fortune to a dealer? What is HD doing to stop dealers from just going rogue?
The sign out front and the bike inventory will be taken away immediately if you break your dealer agreement with the MoCo.
It's a sad story. And frustrating not really knowing what has happened. Something similar took place a few years ago with the HD franchise here -- suddenly HD pulled the franchise. Lots of rumors and I seem to remember one person went to jail over some financial misdeeds.
I have to think that HD of Frederick tried to sell the dealership to someone else. But maybe your thoughts of a shrinking pool of people who want or can afford a Harley just makes it a bad investment.
Even though HD isn't really a concern I have it is nice to know what is happening in the moto world. Too bad there is only 5 days to do something. And that is probably just enough time to cry and nothing more...
I fear I'm not missing the mark by much. I wish all the best to Mike and Nan. I hope his staff finds employment quickly. Thanks for commenting, Steve.
I had a choice in 2022 for a HD Dyna or electra glide at 5% financing.
Vs.
BMW R-18 Transcontinental at .8% financing, plus the BMW had reverse.
That choice was a no brainer. Im still riding hard on my BMW today! 🏍
The R18 is an amazing bike. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it. Ride safe.
What is strange is the big Harley’s can be fitted with a reverse from the factory, HD decided to do it. I guess the good news is the aftermarket reverse can still be put on.
A sad indictment of today’s world, not just aspects of H-D.
I can’t disagree with your remarks about the future of H-D in relation to their traditional customer base, and the fact that they need to focus on supporting whoever is supporting them.
At the end of the day, irrespective of whether we’re talking about H-D or anyone else, this world, sadly, ain’t what it used to be.
Appreciate your community message my friend. ✌️
I have wrote to hd several times .. of my thoughts ..
I have to as well. They never once replied to me. I really dont think they care.
Very sad. I have always preached that it's not the first time customer that makes a business. It's the repeat and loyal customers that sustain a business. Who do you get loyal customers? Treat them right and fair. HD corporate, you did not. 😠
Mom and pop shops are just about gone in every type of business. The world is changing. The question at hand is, are the changes for the better.
The MoCo has been pushing out small dealerships for over 20 years. The requirement to meet franchise standards were too costly for some. Many older owners are simply retiring with no buyers in the pipeline.
The reality is, H-D dealerships are being consumed by car dealerships. The plus is the nicer dealerships will likely stay in business.
The negative is, the old school culture is dying. Maybe that’s the plan.