End of an Era: Harley-Davidson Dealership Owner Sells After 26 Years, Fans Mourn Iconic Store

According to The Sun, Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, has officially closed its doors under its current ownership after 26 years of operation, leaving its future uncertain.

Last Day of Business

The dealership held its final day in business on Saturday, with only merchandise available for sale, and all transactions were cash-only. The decision to sell was announced over the summer, marking a significant transition for the family-run business.

New Ownership

Reiman’s dealership is being sold to Walter Brothers Harley Davidson located in Peoria, Illinois. Scott Packee, who took over the dealership from his father, Dennis Packee, explained that the decision to sell had been on the horizon for some time.

Reflecting on the change, Scott shared a personal anecdote about a bass boat he bought four years ago, just before the onset of COVID-19. “We’ve never used it,” he admitted. This summer, he finally took his sons, Dennis’s grandsons, out fishing, which led to the realization that it was time to shift priorities.

A Rich Legacy

The Kewanee dealership, located in a small town of just 12,000 people, has a storied history. It was previously owned by legendary motorcycle champion Roger Reiman, a three-time winner of the Daytona 200 and head mechanic for the famous daredevil Evel Knievel. Tragically, Reiman died in 1997 during a chain-reaction accident while practicing for the Daytona Battle of the Legends, after which Dennis Packee took over the dealership. The following year, he was inducted into the Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame.

A Desire for Family Time

Scott Packee expressed that selling the dealership would allow him to spend more time with his father, now 80 years old. “It is time for us to actually be able to go out and actually go for a ride,” he said, emphasizing that they hadn’t had the opportunity to enjoy riding together in nearly three decades.

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Customer Reactions

In light of the news, many customers have expressed their disappointment at the sale. One customer, Colin, remarked, “Great local HD dealership for many years,” and hoped the new owners would maintain the family-friendly atmosphere. Another customer, Tyler, noted on Facebook, “On to I’m sure bigger and better things. Reimans has been a beacon of fairness and honesty where other dealers have fallen short. Scott, wish you guys the best moving forward.”

Future of the Dealership

Scott Packee indicated that the sale is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, as the legacy of Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership transitions to new ownership.