Kelly Nicol, 2026
Eight months ago, Rocky’s Harley Davidson shuttered its doors, citing a slump in sales. In December, Peak Powersports London, closed as well, citing the US tariffs that effected Indian Motorcycle, as well as “a changing economic landscape”. In early 2025, KTM, one of Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, declared bankruptcy, only being saved by Indian automotive company, Bajaj.
The motorcycle industry is historically not inexperienced with hardship and turmoil. In 1983, for instance, U.S. President Ronald Reagan introduced sweeping tariffs on motorcycle engines larger than 750cc. Motorcycle sales declined 9.2% in the first half of 2025, compared to 2024. One must wonder, however, if the recent few years of worse weather, have played a factor, especially in the closures here in Ontario.
We spoke to Paul Goldsmith, a sales consultant from Hully Gully on Wharncliffe and Wonderland. Hully Gully sells all sorts of vehicles, including motorcycles of all sorts. From high-speed sport bikes, to enduros, dual sports, and adventure bikes. On the topic of how the dealer gets itself through the winter, Goldsmith told us:
“The motorcycle business is a 12 month a year industry. The culture itself, supports the business 12 months a year.”
Indeed, anyone who rides can tell you that the motorcycle culture is just as important as riding the bikes themselves. Whether it’s track jockeys or ADV dads, there is a community for anyone.
However, one might assume based on the weather, that many people are probably not too interested in buying a new motorcycle this time of year. Goldsmith, however, said something that contradicted this theory.
“Actually […], there is a reverse mindset.” Goldsmith told us. “The colder months are actually our busiest time.” He went on to say; “…when you consider, June, July, they’re already on the trip that they’ve planned, so really the planning stages is in those winter months.”
There is always the worry about colder months lasting longer, as the weather gets progressively worse. Goldsmith, however, was confident in the resilience of Canadian motorcyclists. “Canada’s been around for a long time, any Canadian’s experienced cold as long as they’ve been here,” he said. “Here in Ontario, we’re lucky to have 6 good months or so, throughout the year.”
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