Harley-Davidson dealership closes abruptly leaving customers in limbo as they rage over zero ‘heads up’

CUSTOMERS have been left high and dry after a Harley-Davidson dealership closed abruptly without an explanation.

Taboo Harley-Davidson in Alexandria, Louisiana, announced it was closing its doors for good in a social media post on October 16.

The motorcycle shop gave no reason for the closure – and even said that there were some bikes still in service at the time.

Taboo Harley-Davidson offered new and used motorcycles as well as parts and services.

“We’re saddened to share the news that Taboo Harley-Davidson has officially closed its doors,” the company announced in its statement.

“We want to thank all of our loyal customers and the incredible community that supported us over the years.

“Your passion for the ride and camaraderie will always be cherished.

“While this chapter closes, the spirit of freedom and adventure lives on. Ride safe, and we hope to see you on the road!”

The statement then continued to say the business would reach out to customers who were left in limbo.

“For anyone with a motorcycle currently in service or under a service contract, you will be contacted by our team,” the store said.

“Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Customers were furious over the sudden announcement and shared their complaints under the message on Facebook after comments on the store’s Instagram post were disabled.

“Kind of would have been nice to give a heads up since I just purchased some gift cards from there,” one shopper complained.

“I had a scheduled service appointment today!” an angry customer wrote.

“I’m not mad about it not getting worked on, I’m mad yall won’t let me go get my property!

“Someone needs to call people yesterday about something like this. Its outrageous.”

“I need someone to call me considering you have my motorcycle there,” another demanded.

“I just received a $200. Gift card last week for my birthday! How do I get my merch. Or money back ??? !!!!!” one wrote.

The now-closed dealership’s CEO, Stratton Murphy, died in a motorcycle accident back in April, according to his obituary.

It’s unclear if the closure is related to Murphy’s death.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to the dealership for comment.

The closure comes as multiple other Harley-Davidson dealerships have shuttered in recent months, including a fan-favorite location in New York City.

Plus, the location in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing on November 2.

What to do if a dealership closes

If you recently bought a car or motorcycle from a dealership that suddently closed, you may feel anxious about how that affects you.

When you finance a new car or motorcycle or need warranty repairs done at an authorized dealership, a sudden closure can make some people think they’re out of options or worry their car will be repossessed.

If you’re in a situation that sounds like that, here are a few things you can do after receiving an official notice:

1. Notify the bank hosting your loan of the closure to make them aware. If the financing is done through the dealership itself, it’s important to contact the dealership or your salesperson to ask how to keep up your payments. Many dealerships will send the lien (the title and registration that will only be released to the buyer after the debt is paid) to a financial institution to keep.
2. If the dealership cannot be contacted through traditional means, most states allow drivers to apply for the title and registration through the DMV.
3. If you leased a car from a dealership that went out of business, instructions should be sent as to which dealership to bring your vehicle to when the lease expires. If not, contact the dealership.
4. A factory warranty through the manufacturer will be honored at any other authorized dealership. However, an extended warranty through the dealership may not be honored at other repair shops, so it’s important to seek that information from the dealership as soon as possible.

Source: Consumer Law Group