Harley-Davidson of Frederick, MD is Dropping the HD Brand!?

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.

Hd getting ready for their Bud Light moment

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.

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.

I agree with you 100%!! There's a skunk in the wood pile>> :face-orange-raised-eyebrow: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...:eyes-purple-crying:

46 years of service mad respect❤

It's sad to see any Harley dealership close but they are getting too expensive in a time when people are struggling to survive..

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

Harley-Davidson needs to talk this out. These are hard times for all of us. A agreement needs to happen now.

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 :)

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.

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.