North Sound Dealer Report

Whole lotta shakin goin on

Summer passes, things slow down and it's time to hit the road and visit with Pacific Northwest dealers.

Such was the case on the last Friday in November when I took to the road at 7 a.m. in pouring rain and made my way north to Ferndale, near the Canadian border. It was the start of a very eye opening day that would take me to no less than a ½ dozen dealers. Here's what was learned along the way.

Pacific Northwest Motorcycles of Ferndale, WA - This long time staple in Bellingham, pulled up stakes about two years back and made the move north to Ferndale for a freeway close location, just off of I-5. Manufacturers and customers like a freeway close location where signage is visible from the super slab. As part of the move they added BMW motorcycles, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Vespa to their existing lineup of Triumph and Ural. Floor space is tight for six OEM's and as a result Triumph has left the building. More on that in a moment.

Skagit Powersports of Burlington, WA - This north sound stronghold had a great summer filled with a never-ending lineup of events. Last spring they sectioned off an area of the store to feature all their dual sport and adventure bikes as well as accessories in the genre. It looks really nice. Events will move indoors to the store for the fall, so look for a special open house, swap meet and possible seminars to occur.

Formerly Skagit Harley-Davidson of Mt. Vernon, WA - As I passed by the store, the sign was being removed from the front façade. The Smith family has sold the shop and it is being renamed as North Cascades Harley-Davidson.

Lifestyles Recreational Products of Mt. Vernon, WA -The shop, which picked up where Marryott's Honda left off some time ago, carries Honda along with the Can Am line and has a separate area dedicated to off-road bikes, ATV's, UTV's, watercraft and snowmobiles. A year-around moto-recreationalist's paradise. On the street bike side of the building you'll find all the latest models from Honda and their most recent OEM addition, Triumph Motorcycles. Former GM, Brian Mitchell has departed and Roy VanWaveran has stepped up to take over the reins.

Cycle Barn Smokey Point - Life marches on at one of the largest shops in the North Sound. They now carry all four Japanese OEM's as well as KTM and Husqvarna.

Sound Harley-Davidson of Smokey Point, WA - Business as usual with GM Duane Canaday running the show for Scott & Marianne Smernis who were off relaxing in Florida when I dropped in.

Everett Powersports - The rumor mill is churning of an eminent sale within the family and among the staff. More details later.

Lynnwood Motoplex - Decades ago this was a tiny Yamaha shop on Highway 99. Today they carry multiple lines including Victory, Indian, KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki and soon they'll possibly be adding a new Euro line. It's too soon to say what that is, so you'll just have to keep an eye on our newsbytes column or like our Facebook page to get the skinny on that when it happens.

Triumph of Seattle - As per our September report in our Newsbytes column, Triumph of Seattle is officially moving out of Lynnwood and down Highway 99 to… Seattle, taking over the former Aurora Suzuki location. Look for a possible addition of one or more new lines of bikes.

Gary Meeker/Fall 2014