another dealer closed
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
Torquey not sure if you bought a bike already..ruben at suffolk seems to be cool to deal with.i always bought my bikes out of state untill recently. Gave suffolk a shot had a very good experience there
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, Maryland
Harley encouraged these dealers to build these cathedrals thinking the second golden age of motorcycles was gonna last forever. The market was oversaturated. Those who positioned themselves well may survive, those that didn't won't...
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
Was Lighthouse HD, in one of the new style dealerships? I think Harley forcing these dealerships to move out by the major highways with new buildings, and standardized "franchised appearance" with high overhead and then loaning them the money to do it, is the demise of a number of these dealerships.
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Me too, our local same way, about 4 years old, if your not buying a bike they won't give you the time of day or hound you if you just want to check out what's new. Plus the 1/2 the sale people don't even ride, they are just there for one thing to sell.... don't get me started about the "Hipsters" behind the parts counter....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
The closing did come without warning, but was hardly a surprise. Lighthouse is (was) my local dealership for the past ten years. At their apex, they had over 60 employees but when they closed down they probably only had half a dozen give or take. They also downsized their space, bike and parts inventory, service department, boutique significantly. This had been going on for a couple of years.
The story was they were going to relocate a couple towns over, but that never happened. Perhaps this was their intention.
Bottom line was they were hanging on by a thread. They're announcement to close was a shock to the customers and likely the remaining employees, but really shouldn't have been after witnessing the dramatic downsizing that took place.
The story was they were going to relocate a couple towns over, but that never happened. Perhaps this was their intention.
Bottom line was they were hanging on by a thread. They're announcement to close was a shock to the customers and likely the remaining employees, but really shouldn't have been after witnessing the dramatic downsizing that took place.
This kind of business decision usually happens without any warning. The owner could give a **** about the guys with bikes in the service bays. Then you have all of the employees that lost jobs. I am certain that the gift cards were sold by employees with no idea that the dealership was going out. I feel for the employees, not the owner.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
+1 Rubens is a good guy.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: SE Alabama
Yeah i tried to get a shirt while i was in ann arbor turns out they had just closed.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 22
From: Fort Pierce, Florida
I know what you mean. Space Coast Harley here in Florida used to be own by people who did not want to deal. They had sales people who did not ride and were not nice to deal with. The dealer was sold to the people who own Seminole Harley and everything changed. They have riders selling bikes, riders who are the mechanics and behind the parts counter. When you walk in they make you feel like family. Everytime I walk in , they end up in a conversation with some one behind the parts counter, and they are nice enough to stay and talk. I never feel like I'm rushed to leave or buy anything. The service people are the same way. I had a friend of mine who was riding a Honda that needed a little help. My friend meet me after my bike's service was finished. One of the service techs came out and helped my friend crawling around on the ground. They really know how to treat you there. I'm sorry some of you don't have that in your area.
With this being said, Space Coast is not my local dealer. The dealer closest to me, Treasure Coast, I refused to deal with. I'm not going to say anything bad about them. I'm just going to say I refused to deal with them....
With this being said, Space Coast is not my local dealer. The dealer closest to me, Treasure Coast, I refused to deal with. I'm not going to say anything bad about them. I'm just going to say I refused to deal with them....
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
HD is using the walmart method of marketing.... take away friendly service & knowledgeable staff.. cookie cutter buildings .. charge thru the nose for products and laugh all the way to the bank... pretty fooking sad I think.