Harley-Davidson of Utica

Specialties

Harley-​Davidson of Utica started in 1975 in the midst of the AMF years. In the beginning, the franchise was part of Don’s Ford on Route 12 North in Utica. While it may seem an unlikely combination, times being what they were in the mid 1970s, it was a win-​win relationship from the beginning.

Harley-​Davidson Motor Company had significant pressure from Japanese imports at the time and was looking to increase its dealer ranks to market its line of lightweight (250cc and smaller) motorcycles, made by Aermacchi, Harley-Davidson’s Italian motorcycle subsidiary. With gasoline shortages and price hikes spurred on by the Arab oil embargo of 1973, buyers were looking for fuel efficient vehicles. So, we were pretty successful in selling those little Harley-​Davidson® motorcycles.

By 1977, oil prices eased and Harley-​Davidson had pretty much given up on the lightweight bike market. The product line basically consisted of the Electra Glide®, Super Glide®, Low Rider® and Sportster® in the lineup. In 1981, AMF sold the Harley-​Davidson division to thirteen members of the Harley-​Davidson management team.

In those years, we were a very small dealer, selling maybe 50 bikes a year. Like all dealers, the 1980s were very tough years. Interest rates were very high and product quality was poor. But year by year things improved, the new Evolution® engine was unveiled, the Softail® line was introduced and product quality was continuously improved…

History

Established in 1975.

Central New York’s Harley-​Davidson headquarters since 1975