MOTORCYCLISTS are mourning the closure of a cherished Harley-Davidson store, which has served the community for 73 years.
Customers will no longer visit the Harley-Davidson Sports Center in Duluth, Minnesota, located around 150 miles north of Minneapolis.
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Dennis and Suzanne Kachelmyer, who have owned the motorcycle shop for many years, broke the news of the closure in a Facebook post on Monday.
Customers expressed their disappointment and frustration regarding the announcement in the comments section of the post.
“This is unfortunate news for the biker community,” remarked one Facebook user.
“Wishing the best for all the employees affected by this. I hope someone steps in to purchase this business for us riders.”
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“We have no other convenient option for our bikes.”
Another commenter expressed, “What? This is devastating news, I’m saddened to hear this. I reside in International Falls and this was my nearest dealership.”
“Really heartbreaking news, I was just about to plan some maintenance before next year’s riding season,” a third user shared.
The owners mentioned in the comments that they are in the process of selling their remaining inventory.
While standard business operations have concluded, they are working through existing service orders and remaining stock, including motorcycles.
They have confirmed that regular business activities have already ceased, with an ongoing wind-down of their current operations, including service work orders and leftover inventory, including motorcycles.
The exact date for the store’s closure remains uncertain.
Customers holding gift cards for the center can either request a refund or use them to purchase existing merchandise.
The owners expressed that sharing years of passion for riding has been a true privilege.
“Our love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the community, and the experiences has provided us with countless moments of joy and excitement, doing what we cherish every day!” the Kachelmyers shared.
Harley-Davidson Closures in 2024
Currently, there are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States.
Unfortunately, several stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024, with minimal explanations provided.
Here’s a recap of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shut down this year and the reasons behind their closures:
The San Francisco location closed in June after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ from new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September, with no justification offered.
Harley-Davidson’s flagship location in New York City ceased operations on September 28, with the owner citing economic challenges.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, shut its doors in October after the owners sold the establishment to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
“It deeply saddens us to confront these difficult economic times, leading to the hard decision to close our doors and wind down the operations.”
“To our Harley-Davidson family, we are grateful for this lifelong journey!” the owners expressed.
“Keep riding and enjoying; we look forward to crossing paths with you on the road!”
The store has not yet responded to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
As the Kachelmyers step away from their venture, another motorcycle family is set to expand its operations.
Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Beach House Harley-Davidson in Shallotte, North Carolina, are changing ownership after over three decades under the management of Rick and Janice Noyes.
The two dealerships are being taken over by Charlie Cole, Will Cole, and Freddy Tedesco of the Cole Family of Harley-Davidson Dealerships.
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