The late Bruce Rossmeyer

Bruce Rossmeyer's Pompano Harley-Davidson has closed, another victim of the failing economy.

The dealership opened in 2002 and was owned by the late Rossmeyer, who also owned the world's largest H-D dealership, in Ormond Beach, Florida. That dealership was more like a vacation destination that also sold motorcycles.

Bruce Rossmeyer was killed in a motorcycle collision in Wyoming last July. 

Other motorcycle dealers have been affected by the crunch, of course, the lastest American shop being Yamaha of Napa (California), which closed its doors last week. Owner Jeff Monroy said February's sales were down 85 per cent compared to the previous February. "I kept reducing my costs and laying off people, and it kept getting worse," he told the St. Helena Star . "I just couldn't pay the bills any more."

Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson share prices surged this week on a rumour of a take-over bid by a large global equity firm, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. The value of the shares rose a couple of dollars on Tuesday, but the value of the rumour is unknown.  

Perhaps BRP might be interested. That would certainly increase Rotax sales. They could always spin off the non-Buell assests if they didn't want to convert to Rotax from the existing engine line!   Posted by RFporteno 17-03-2010 09:38 » Report this comment to administrator Yea, and they could stop the sale of MV, and sell Harley to China or India... Posted by Dave 17-03-2010 12:16 » Report this comment to administrator What are these new investors going to do for HD? Diversify the lineup, modernize the v-twin? HD already tried that with Buell, MV and the vrod.  It seems like the canary in the mineshaft. The USA is borrowing over a trillion a year and looking to spend billions more on healthcare. Posted by Irv 18-03-2010 05:16 » Report this comment to administrator Maybe Harley & some dealerships grew too big.    When you're selling all your inventory you figure you need to build/buy more as demand seems to be growing or you're not fulfilling all the existing demand. Eventually everybody who wants that product in the current demographic bubble or geographic area has bought one. The "trick" is knowing when to stop growing. It's easier said than done. Posted by joelph 18-03-2010 09:12 » Report this comment to administrator All those HD dealers spent WAAAY to much money on those expensive coffee shops/ clothing boutiques.    Now they can't pay for them. Posted by Willi 19-03-2010 08:33 » Report this comment to administrator