And Yet Another Long Time BMW/HD Dealer Closes Their Doors

[darrell]

It is with deep regret after 62 years of serving the Beaver Dam community, Mischler’s Harley-Davidson and BMW will be closing our store permanently turning the key for the final time on December 23, 2020. The current business climate has left us with no other viable option.
To our customers who have supported us through the decades, Thank you! We have also been blessed with the most loyal staff that we consider our family, and they have answered to every request presented to them with advancing their education and challenges made. We thank you!
We will continue to offer storage through the winter for your motorcycle. Pick up times will be scheduled in April 2021.

[Lee]

We have stopped there a couple times.

I wonder if this is one of the 100 shops Harley picked to close?

[Grumpy Goat]

Sad but not surprising given the state of the lifestyle these days here in the US, as the die-hard motorcyclists fade away and the new generation couldn't be bothered. Premium bike sales will suffer while those with more perceived value (and reliability) may hold their own. Market forces at work I suppose. Multi-line dealership with their diverse product have a bit better chance but typically service there is not as good.

[runnerhiker]

Motorcycle sales are actually up with the pandemic, many think it's a good way to social distance. Plus people have are not spending money on other leisure activities. The dealer I visit in Fort Collins told me they are setting record on sales this year.

[Grumpy Goat]

Motorcycle sales are actually up with the pandemic, many think it's a good way to social distance. Plus people have are not spending money on other leisure activities. The dealer I visit in Fort Collins told me they are setting record on sales this year.

Yes I have heard of this rise in sales, but the pandemic puts a strange twist on everything and we will have to wait and see if the sales continue to rise after the pandemic. Somehow I doubt that will be the case. Every time I go into the dealerships for the premium brands I see 40s and older people in there. Go to the multiline dealerships and some younger ones pop up. That is where the future of motorcycle sales is. And also in Europe and Asia.

[Lee]

From memory the Wisconsin shop seemed to be more Harley.
Maybe Darrell or Bruce know if the shop did mostly Harley business.

[MrVvrroomm]

Maybe Darrell or Bruce know if the shop did mostly Harley business.

Never been there. Would never have guess they sold BMW.

[Ray]

From memory the Wisconsin shop seemed to be more Harley.
Maybe Darrell or Bruce know if the shop did mostly Harley business.

I've been to Beaver Dam quite a few times, but my impression was the same as Lee's and I never bothered to stop.

Although the used inventory looks heavy on Harleys, it does include a single-owner 1991 K1 in black with only 37,000 miles on it - without decals and set up for 2-up riding.... Wonder what that will be worth in the spring?

[Ray]

On the other hand - banner year at Gateway BMW so far. 

They now have plans to move to the big dealer format, get rid of most of their rented storeage, and have a big enough show room that the mechanics don't need to move a bunch of bikes into the parking lot in order to work. 

I suspect their inclusion of Beta and Royal Enfield lines (and the increased real estate  demands of BMWs - think of >40 R18s) has a lot to do with the ability to avoid the fate of other dealers. 

They think late this year, but with construction build-outs and supplies as they are, I suspect early 2023. 

Nonetheless - if travelling through St. Louis, double check the website if you plan to drop in for Saturday doughnuts or the like. 

For your phone - new address will be 18349 Wings Corporate Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63005. Perhaps appropriately, this borders Spirit of St. Louis Airport and should allow trial of demo bikes on Wild Horse Creek road and some nice roads in Babler State Park.

[Lee]

For your phone - new address will be 18349 Wings Corporate Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63005. Perhaps appropriately, this borders Spirit of St. Louis Airport and should allow trial of demo bikes on Wild Horse Creek road and some nice roads in Babler State Park.

That looks like a better location and easier to get to for us.
The current location was very tight for parking. 

S1000RR test rides on the runway

[Lee]

We drove by the Beaver Dam shop last week. The building still looks empty.