The Ridley Motorcycle Company has stopped making motorcycles.

Known for bikes that appeal to beginning riders but that resemble larger cruiser style motorcycles — automatic transmissions and low seat heights were a common feature — Ridley was taken over by a company that used to sell Ridley-branded products, 2 Wheel Ventures.

The new owner says it will provide parts and technical support to Ridley owners, will recondition used Ridleys, and will reorganize the assets. Three years ago, 2 Wheel Ventures was licensed to market clothing and accessories using the Ridley brand.

The company says it will continue to develop some "innovations that were never introduced to the market," according to dealernews.com, and will "bring them to market while continuing to service and support" Ridley motorcycles that have already been sold.

Ridley got in trouble by borrowing too much money for expansion when times were good in 2005–2007, then wallowing in debt when the credit crunch happened.

Will new Ridleys be manufactured? It's possible, the company says, if the market conditions improve.