The retail bike trade is currently facing a wave of bad news, and Harley-Davidson has been particularly affected by recent challenges, including multiple store closures across the country.
Last month, BDN reported the closure of several Blade Group dealerships, including Oxford Harley-Davidson. Harley owners have been directed to the company’s Cheltenham branch for future service. In January, The Blade Group cited “ongoing financial challenges” in an online statement regarding these closures.
The news of the Oxford branch closure came hot on the heels of the death of two other Harley-Davidson outlets last November. Plymouth and Southampton Harley-Davidson both closed their doors for the final time after its parent, Marsh Holdings Ltd, went into administration. Local news website Devon Live has since reported that Marsh’s collapse has left a huge trail of debts, including more than £125,000 of deposits paid by customers ordering new bikes and reports that 20 ex-employees are owed almost £113,000.
In 2020, The Lind Group became Harley-Davidson’s largest UK retailer, marked by the opening of its Watford showroom in February. At that time, the group also operated Harley-Davidson franchised showrooms in Guildford, Reading, Norwich, and Newmarket. However, at the beginning of 2024, the firm began reshaping its partnership with the manufacturer. In January, the multiple MCN Award-winning retailer announced the closure of its Harley-Davidson Norwich showroom. By the end of September, the Reading showroom had also closed. A month later, Lind switched the franchise at its Watford site from Harley-Davidson to Ducati, with the re-opening of its Watford showroom anticipated in the spring of this year.
The Newmarket and Guildford stores continue to operate as Harley-Davidson franchised showrooms alongside six additional showrooms representing Triumph, Yamaha, and BMW.
A further blow hit the American cruiser brand at the end of January when Edinburgh Harley-Davidson announced its association with the franchise would conclude at the end of April 2025. The store will continue to supply bikes, kit, and parts and provide servicing until then. The firm’s social media channels are also currently carrying a series of discounted sales on Harley clothing, bikes, and accessories.
BDN asked Harley-Davidson UK for comment on the closures and for an update on future network development plans or replacement of dealers, but a spokesperson told us: “Harley-Davidson is not commenting on these topics currently.”