A LARGE Harley-Davidson dealership has reopened after unexpectedly shutting its doors for weeks, leaving customers’ bikes inside.
The expansive 30,000-square-foot location features over 100 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and boasts more than $3.5 million in inventory.
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Credit: Getty
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Credit: Facebook/San Jose Harley-Davidson
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Credit: Getty
The San Jose Harley-Davidson dealership is situated in San Jose, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area.
This dealership is among the largest Harley-Davidson locations in Northern California and temporarily closed on December 21, 2024.
“To the Harley-Davidson community that San Jose H-D serves, we extend our gratitude for your support and passion throughout the years,” the dealership announced in a Facebook statement on the day it closed.
New ownership was set to take over on January 14.
Following a few delays, the store officially reopened on January 21 with the consent of the previous owners.
Mike Genthner and Jess Bettencourt, the new owners, have been affiliated with the Harley-Davidson brand since 1997.
They also own Oakland Harley-Davidson, located in Oakland, California, which is within the same region.
After taking control, Genthner and Bettencourt stated they would reach out to customers whose bikes were left in the store during the December closure.
Additionally, they committed to fulfilling existing special orders and work order deposits, as well as honoring gift cards.
The new owners, both natives of California, have been involved with their family businesses from a young age.
The two met in high school, forming a bond over their mutual love for motorcycles and the Harley-Davidson brand.
Genthner and Bettencourt both manage daily operations at Oakland Harley-Davidson and engage closely with both staff and customers.
Customers from San Jose Harley-Davidson expressed their approval of the new ownership on the dealership’s Facebook page.
“The new owner I spoke with is very customer-focused,” one supporter remarked.
“He took my bike from SJ service up to Oakland, and they’re nearly finished after just a week.”
“Thank you for honoring the gift cards and for continuing the business,” another customer commented.
In other updates from Harley-Davidson, customers can now access a new upgrade that enhances performance, style, and sound.
Moreover, the motorcycle manufacturer has released a new special model – although it’s not available to the public.
This is part of a series of bikes created specifically for police use.
Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson, located near Los Angeles, recently unveiled a Pan America 1250 Special concept motorcycle featuring flashing red and blue lights, multiple saddlebags, and sirens.
It also included higher ground clearance and enhanced suspension suitable for various terrains.
In other matters, Harley-Davidson owners have been urged to take swift action in response to recent reports of several motorcycles being stolen.
Harley-Davidson Closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships throughout the United States.
However, numerous locations have closed for various reasons throughout 2024, many without explaining why.
Here is a list of some Harley-Davidson dealerships that have closed this year and the reasons cited for these closures:
The San Francisco dealership closed in June after 110 years of service due to ‘chaos’ caused by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, ceased operations in September, with no explanation provided.
Harley-Davidson’s historic location in New York City closed 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 business to Walter Brothers Harley-Davidson in Peoria, Illinois.
Additionally, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
