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MOTORCYCLISTS have been left heartbroken after a beloved Harley-Davidson store announced it’s shutting its doors after 73 years.
Customers will no longer be able to stop by the Harley-Davidson Sports Center in Duluth, Minnesota, which is about 150 miles north of Minneapolis.
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Dennis and Suzanne Kachelmyer, the longtime owners of the motorcycle shop, announced the closure in a Facebook post on Monday.
Shoppers shared their sadness and frustration over the news in the comments of the post.
“This is bad news for the biker community,” one Facebook user wrote.
“Good luck to all the employees who are affected by this. Hopefully somebody comes through and buys this business for us owners.
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“We have no other option close to us for our bikes.”
Another wrote, “What? That is devastating news, I’m sorry to hear this. I live in International falls and this is my closest dealership.”
“Really sad news, was just getting ready to make plans for some work before next years riding season,” a third shared.
The owners shared in the comments that they’re selling their existing inventory.
While regular business activity has already ended, they’re finishing up the work orders and remaining inventory, including motorcycles.
They say regular business activity has already ended, and they are winding down the pre-existing business. That includes service work orders and remaining inventory, including motorcycles.
The store’s last day of operations is unclear.
Customers with gift cards to the center can request a refund or redeem them for existing merchandise.
The owners shared that sharing years of excitement behind the handlebars has been a privilege.
“Our passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the people, and experience has led us to share a lifetime of immeasurable joy and excitement, doing what we love doing every day!” the Kachelmyers shared.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across America.
However, multiple stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024 – if they give any explanation at all.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shuttered this year and why they closed their doors:
The San Francisco location closed in June after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ brought by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September with no reason given.
Harley-Davidson’s legacy location in New York City closed shop on September 28, with the owner citing problems with the economy.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed its doors in October after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Plus, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
“It saddens us to react to these challenging economic times, being faced with the difficult decision to close our doors and wind down the business.”
“To all of our Harley-Davidson family, we thank you all for this lifelong journey!” the owners wrote.
“Continue to ride and have fun; we look forward to seeing you on the road!”
The store didn’t immediately respond to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
While the Kachelmyers are stepping away from their business, another motorcycle family is planning to expand its empire.
Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Beach House Harley-Davidson in Shallotte, North Carolina, are changing owners after being managed by Rick and Janice Noyes for over three decades.
The two showrooms are being taken on by Charlie Cole, Will Cole and Freddy Tedesco of the Cole Family of Harley-Davidson Dealerships.
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