Author Topic: Moto - International Seattle is closing.  (Read 18949 times)

Offline SemperVee

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Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« on: September 17, 2018, 06:40:08 PM »
Sorry to be the messenger of very sad news for our Guzzi Community.  The bedrock of all things Italian on 2 wheels here in Seattle.


« Last Edit: September 17, 2018, 06:42:43 PM by SemperVee »
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Offline jas67

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #1 on: September 17, 2018, 06:49:20 PM »
Oh no!   Say it isn't so!

I just ordered a copy of Guzziology!
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oldbike54

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #2 on: September 17, 2018, 07:20:12 PM »
 Dave leaving sealed their fate .

 Dusty

Offline Markcarovilli

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2018, 07:26:06 PM »
Dave leaving sealed their fate .

 Dusty

You are most likely correct

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2018, 07:26:06 PM »

stormshearon

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #4 on: September 17, 2018, 07:40:17 PM »
Where did you find that? There is nothing on their web site - though it looks like they have not updated it in awhile.

My riding buddy heard that from another dealer in the Seattle area, but when I posted here about the rumor, someone called Moto and they said no they were not.

Offline Markcarovilli

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #5 on: September 17, 2018, 07:48:58 PM »
From MI facebook page:

It is with great regret to inform you that Moto International will be closing our doors permanently.  Our last day open to the public will be September 29th, with a final closure date of October 15th.  We will continue to service bikes and fulfill existing parts orders to the best of our ability.  Stay tuned for info on where to bring your bikes for future service/warranty needs.  Motorcycle sales will be discontinued shortly, and currently all bikes are priced at our cost.  We will not be taking any more special orders, or booking new service appointments.  Look for deep discounts on all parts and accessories that are in stock.  We appreciate the support over the last 25 years, but are at the point where it’s no longer financially viable to keep the lights on.  Thank you for allowing us to serve you over the years…

bpreynolds

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2018, 08:13:34 PM »
Wow. 

Offline TN Mark

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2018, 08:16:54 PM »
I have no idea what happened with Moto INternational other than I 'thought' Dave retired and/or sold the business a couple of years ago. Moto International closing is some of the worst news regarding Moto Guzzi in the US I've read since MPH and Rose Farm both called it quits with Piaggio.

Thankfully, when one door closes another opens. I read earlier that Mike Haven is going back in business. I have no real idea what happened with MPH Cycles over the years either. But I'm glad to know Mike is back.   

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #8 on: September 17, 2018, 08:38:02 PM »
I just read the news on FB.  This is a tough blow. I bought my Norge and V7 Special from Dave 2 years ago just before his retirement
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oldbike54

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #9 on: September 17, 2018, 08:40:02 PM »
 I thought MI actually belonged to a group of investors .

 Dusty

Offline Guzzi Gal

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #10 on: September 17, 2018, 08:47:20 PM »
You are most likely correct
Dave will have been retired one year when MI closes its doors.  Very sad news indeed.
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Offline TimmyTheHog

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #11 on: September 17, 2018, 09:18:43 PM »
So sad...

I was looking forward getting the V85 from them...as I don't really trust my local Guzzi shop...

WAY too focused on Triumph and Husqvarna...

Guess I have no choice now 😓 or drive all the way down to Portland...which might be a bad idea  :boozing:
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Offline Bulldog9

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #12 on: September 17, 2018, 09:32:29 PM »
Truly sad and unfortunate. I don't really know anything about their business plan and financial model, but if a Guzzi dealer with the customer base name and reputation of MI can't stay open and profitable, this doesn't bode well for the market.

This is significant to me personally, as I'm going to retire from the military in a couple years, and have been considering buying out a local Guzzi dealer with a terrible business model. my thinking is I'll be financially self-sufficient based on my retirement and will only need to keep the lights on and people employed to have a solid business and keep the brand going in the area. I had pretty much moved past the idea and considered it a passing fancy but seeing this news pretty much made my decision for me. Weay be seeing the last of the Sole Piaggio dealers.....

I will say that I was in the Seattle area during the sale and transition from Dave to the new group and wasn't very impressed, but I assumed that the MI name and it's presence in the community and impact would have carried things forward.

Sad to see a Legend go by the wayside.
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stormshearon

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #13 on: September 17, 2018, 10:34:51 PM »
My buddy and I were at the celebration were Dave was introducing the new owner and reminiscing with the gathered folks about the previous 25(?) years. I was not impressed with the new owner either. Dave was the reason I bought both my Guzzis.

This news makes me glad I traded the Stelvio in a Multistrada 950 last year. Very sad indeed.

Offline Rhodan

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #14 on: September 17, 2018, 11:47:58 PM »
That makes me sad.  But Dave was the heart and soul of the place; it doesn't surprise me too much.  It sounds like he's enjoying a well deserved vacation.  I'll raise a glass to that and a very good run.

Offline JeffOlson

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #15 on: September 18, 2018, 01:09:39 AM »
This is very sad news.
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Offline chuck peterson

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #16 on: September 18, 2018, 06:08:37 AM »
Shit
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Offline lti_57

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #17 on: September 18, 2018, 07:01:49 AM »
This is truly sad
I will be in Seattle the 12th, to see the end of an Era
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Offline Texas Turnip

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #18 on: September 18, 2018, 07:11:45 AM »
If you didn't visit MI you missed out on an unbelievable experience. Crowded is a mild word. The three lifts weren't but a foot apart and for a test ride you had to ride up the sidewalk to get to the street. I don't know how they got all the bikes back in the store at night. Another place that will be in my memory bank. Sorry, some of you missed it.

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Offline Bill Owens

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #19 on: September 18, 2018, 07:17:44 AM »
Major Bummer!

Offline pebra

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #20 on: September 18, 2018, 07:40:47 AM »
The world famous (Guzzi world) MI in Seattle closing?!
This is sad, indeed. Unbelievable.
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Offline leafman60

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #21 on: September 18, 2018, 08:03:00 AM »
I too hate to hear this news. 

I visited the shop and Dave several times.  Both were icons of the US Guzzi presence.

I sure wish Greg Field could have stayed and perhaps implemented some of the ideas he had for the future of the business.  He was/is the only person that I can imagine who had the knowledge, personality and commitment to perhaps make things work.

Yes, the place had more than one owner and Dave was only part of it, the active part.

I liked Dave.  He was so mild-mannered, polite and honest.  Reminded me of other great Guzzi people, like Jim Figgins, who have also passed through the Guzzi world.

Anybody know where Greg is nowadays?  I haven't seen or talked to him since before his departure from MI.

.

« Last Edit: September 18, 2018, 08:31:38 AM by leafman60 »

Offline JJ

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #22 on: September 18, 2018, 08:20:36 AM »
Very sad news indeed... I fear this will continue be a trend in the USA

...if some younger Guzz riders / enthusiasts don't pick up the baton and carry it forward... :undecided: :undecided:
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Offline Sheepdog

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #23 on: September 18, 2018, 08:55:14 AM »
I visited MI back in ‘10. It was a pretty magical experience for a guy who had only experienced Guzzi dealers that focus on other brands. Well, at least we got MPH back...
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Offline Toecutter

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #24 on: September 18, 2018, 09:08:39 AM »
Well, shit.

Almost all my parts are mail order. MI was one of my top three.

Old enough to say I've done it, young enough to do it again.

Offline John Ulrich

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #25 on: September 18, 2018, 09:49:45 AM »

This is significant to me personally, as I'm going to retire from the military in a couple years, and have been considering buying out a local Guzzi dealer with a terrible business model. my thinking is I'll be financially self-sufficient based on my retirement and will only need to keep the lights on and people employed to have a solid business and keep the brand going in the area. I had pretty much moved past the idea and considered it a passing fancy but seeing this news pretty much made my decision for me. Weay be seeing the last of the Sole Piaggio dealers.....


You could always work for them for free and sell bikes.  You'd be money ahead!!!!   :thumb:
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oldbike54

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #26 on: September 18, 2018, 09:53:15 AM »
You could always work for them for free and sell bikes.  You'd be money ahead!!!!   :thumb:

 Isn't that the standard business plan for Moto Guzzi dealers ?

 Dusty

Offline flower_king001

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #27 on: September 18, 2018, 11:04:36 AM »
Very sad news...I have been ordering parts for close to 20 years from them. Just last week I  ordered and received a fuel sensor for my EV. :sad:
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Offline JeffOlson

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #28 on: September 18, 2018, 11:44:32 AM »
With Moto International closing, what dealers are left in the Pacific Northwest?

There is Portland Moto Guzzi, but they must be hanging on by a thread given their recent closure announcement followed by a redoubled effort to stay open (apparently with a huge amount of help from Randy Ballard, who had left but came back).

Who else is there?

EDIT: There is Pacific NW Motorcycles in Ferndale, Washington, near the Canadian border... They also sell models from BMW, Indian, Vespa, Ural, and Zero.
« Last Edit: September 18, 2018, 11:56:54 AM by JeffOlson »
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Offline TimmyTheHog

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Re: Moto - International Seattle is closing.
« Reply #29 on: September 18, 2018, 12:34:17 PM »
With Moto International closing, what dealers are left in the Pacific Northwest?

There is Portland Moto Guzzi, but they must be hanging on by a thread given their recent closure announcement followed by a redoubled effort to stay open (apparently with a huge amount of help from Randy Ballard, who had left but came back).

Who else is there?

EDIT: There is Pacific NW Motorcycles in Ferndale, Washington, near the Canadian border... They also sell models from BMW, Indian, Vespa, Ural, and Zero.

If you are only counting US side, those are it.

Canada has a few but more toward into the mountain...so not as accessible when the weather is bad...and they are more of smaller shops as well.
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