The hogs have come to Morgan Hill
– the two-wheeled kind, not the ones with legs.
The hogs have come to Morgan Hill – the two-wheeled kind, not the ones with legs.
Harley-Davidson broke ground for its newest motorcycle dealership this morning and hopes to be open in time for the Christmas rush.
Owner Daniel Stern, 44, of San Jose, said the 22,000-square-foot, “state-of-the-art” store on Condit Road, next to the Comfort Inn, will sell the latest in Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the V-Rod, and will also house 12,000 square feet of parts, accessories and clothing for Harley enthusiasts.
“Harley-Davidsons are the perfect stress relief for our fast-paced lives,” Stern said. “Morgan Hill and the South Valley has always been a mecca for motorcycles, so it was only natural that we build our facility in Morgan Hill.”
Called the House of Thunder, the store will also have a large service and repair department for customizing the motorcycles and a soundproofed dyno room to test their horsepower.
The store is expected to add to Morgan Hill’s recently pallid sales tax revenues.
“It’s good news for the city,” said Jack Dilles, city finance director, but he could not say how much sales tax he expects the store to bring in. Stern said he expects the business to bring a “sizable income” and also provide opportunities for jobs.
Stern also owns the Hollister Harley-Davidson store.
“I’m one of those fortunate people that has been able to make a career out of doing what they love,” he said.
Stern, who has been in the business for more than 23 years, said exceptional customer service has been his highest priority. Possibly as a result, the Hollister store has led the Bay Area in customer service, he said.
“It will be no different at House of Thunder Harley-Davidson in Morgan Hill,” Stern said.
The Mediterranean-style building will occupy 2.43 acres facing U.S. 101 between the Tennant and East Dunne exits. Stern said he has been working with the city for three years, developing the Planned Unit Development for the area.
Besides the Hollister store, Harley-Davidson motorcycle outlets can be found in Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Fremont and San Jose.
On the Net: www.harley-davidson.com
